the Burns Way
A New Hope for All Veterans.

ABORIGINAL VETERANS AUTOCHTONES

WELCOME TO AVA

The Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) is a nationally incorporated organization that represents the interests of Canadian Aboriginal Veterans and serving members who are of Aboriginal descent. This fills the void left by the dissolution of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association.

Our Role and Mission

Advocacy – Community Service – Remembrance

Advocacy

Advocate

To advise and provide support for and to all Aboriginal Veterans and their families regarding all issues pertaining to Veteran’s needs & rights. Advocate and provide support to and on behalf of Aboriginal Serving Members.

Community

Community Service

To promote, engage in and provide support to the Community by encouraging contributions to our society and to future generations. Provide the most positive influence to our Aboriginal communities and youth by both traditional teachings and strong leadership development through a variety of resources.

Community

Remembrance

To Honour and perpetuate the memories and outstanding deeds of our fallen comrades who gave their lives to preserve the freedom for all.

What’s New

Presidents Corner

National Aboriginal Veterans Monument

National Aboriginal Veterans Monument25th Commemoration Ceremony21 June 2026 Ottawa, Ontario The Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) cordially invites you to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa, Ontario. This...

A Christmas Message

As we gather in the sacred spirit of this holiday season, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones extends our warmest wishes to all veterans, serving Canadian Armed Forces personnel, and families. We acknowledge that this past year has brought many challenges. Some of our...

CDS Welcome Letter

The RCMP Veterans Association recently published an opinion letter on their website called “My Canada – is it Your Canada?” authored by Iwona Mooney. This letter was subsequently removed after being exposed by APTN as a prime example of the racist attitudes and prejudice which are still held by some RCMP veterans and members.

Open Letter Regarding RCMP Veterans Association

Mr. Robert Thibeau, CD President, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones 1201 Atkinson Street Kingston, ON K7P 0E1   This is an open letter, The RCMP Veterans Association recently published an opinion letter on their website called “My Canada – is it Your Canada?”...

Centre of Excellence – PTSD

Please refer to PTSD and Some Options for Therapy – Centre of Excellence on PTSD (veteransmentalhealth.ca) Robert Thibeau President

VAC looking for pictures of women and their service

All VAC is preparing a written article for release sometime this year and I received a call from VAC looking for pictures of women and their service To me this is a long time in coming to recognize the service of our women and their contributions and sacrifices. I...

Report on Mental Health Treatment Benefits for Family Members, In Their Own Right, for Conditions Related to Military Service

All,  I received this document this morning and spoke with Nishika Jardine (OVO) and the summary looks at benefits for family members who are affected by mental health issues.  As you read through this and you feel something needs clarification please ask.  My concern...

President’s Christmas Wishes 2020

All Members of AVA, This year has been exceptionally interesting and challenging year for our Veterans, their families and all Canadians.  Covid-19 has certainly hit the global community with hope in sight for the New Year. Even though we have been isolating we all...

Remembrance Day Message 2019

It is that time of year once again that we pause and reflect on our Aboriginal Veterans in the Spirit of Remembrance.  We remember all those who fought, were wounded and we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in countless battles and conflicts where we...

Letter from the President – March 2019

Our organization has been keeping busy over the past year leading into 2019.  We have established ourselves on 3 Advisory Boards of Veterans Affairs Canada and although it may appear little has been accomplished by the government, we have managed to see some movement...

Recent News

Veteran Family Telemedicine Service (VFTS)

We are pleased to share that the Veteran Family Telemedicine Service (VFTS) is now available to all eligible Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, their families, and survivors. Signing up is easy and free of charge. To learn more and register for the VFTS, please...

Funding Acknowledgement – Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)

Funding Acknowledgment Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones is proud to announce that we have received funding from the Department of National Defence (DND) through the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC). This support enables us to continue our vital...

Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine reappointed as Veterans Ombud

Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine reappointed as Veterans Ombud From: Veterans Affairs Canada News release21 November 2025 – Veterans Affairs CanadaThe Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, is pleased to...

Canadian Armed Forces Racial Discrimination and/or Racial Harassment Class Action Settlement (Claim Form)

This Claim Form is for individuals who are or have been enrolled as Canadian Armed Forces Members at any time between April 17, 1985 and January 10, 2025, and who were subjected to Racial Discrimination and/or Racial Harassment. (Click here to open Claim Form)

Canadian Veterans Advocacy Super Guide

This guide is designed to simplify the process and ensure you have access to the information you need. However, it is not intended to replace official VAC resources. (Click here to open guide)

Veterans Affairs Canada Employment Opportunity

(Le français suit) Veterans Affairs Canada employs Canadian students for approximately 4 months, 3 sessions a year to work as student guides in France. We wanted to let you know that hiring is about to begin for the fall term. Guides work at the Canadian National Vimy...

VETERANS OMBUD RELEASES REPORT ON ADDITIONAL DEPENDANT CARE REIMBURSEMENT

February 26, 2025, Ottawa, ON – Veterans Ombud Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine released a report today on Additional Dependant Care, a reimbursement mechanism designed to provide relief for additional dependant care costs incurred by Veterans participating in the...

A Message from Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones-November 11th

A Message from Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones-November 11thOn this solemn day of November 11th, we, the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones, stand united in remembrance and respect for all who have served and sacrificed in the name of peace and freedom.We honour the...

Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones Statement on Senator Murray Sinclair’s Legacy

Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones Statement on Senator Murray Sinclair's LegacyThe Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) solemnly acknowledges the profound impact and enduring legacy of Senator Murray Sinclair, a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for Indigenous...

Odawa Native Friendship Centre Upcoming Events

Thursday, November 7th 2024 The Odawa Native Friendship Centre will be hosting a Veterans Feast for all Veterans and current serving members.  You may bring a guest with you. Event timings as follows.  Please note that you are requested to register... Date is 7...

ABORIGINAL VETERANS AUTOCHTONES

Get in touch with AVA

We would be happy to hear from you!

Kit Shop

View the items available for purchase such as berets, pocket crests, pins, patches, and more!

Messenger Bag with Patch

Join AVA

Membership

Membership is open to all Aboriginal Veterans and supporters. There is a requirement for verification of service and Aboriginal affiliation for Regular membership status. Please include copies of some form of evidence of service and some form of Aboriginal ancestry.

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