Recently, myself as your President and Mr. Bob Crane from AVA Ontario met with Mr. Guy Dancause who is looking to produce an educational segment on Aboriginal Veterans past and present. The concept is to “show Elders of our communities and our youth nationwide who these Aboriginal Veterans are” and “what legacy they leave behind.” With a few Veterans involved and the camera taking shots at convenient times throughout the year-long venture some of those questions will be answered. We will use stories from Veterans about themselves or about family members who served Canada and are a source of pride within our Aboriginal communities across this country. We will also mention some of the negative treatment our past Veterans received after fighting for the Crown and how we have managed to push that negativity behind us and continue to honourably serve this country.

This is a chance for AVA to educate our Elders, youth and all Canadians on the many contributions and sacrifices made by Aboriginals who served overseas as well as the service of those left on the Homefront. Let us take this opportunity to get as many stories out regarding Service to Canada.

Miigwetch, Marsee, Merci, Qujannamiik, All our Relations

Robert Thibeau, CD