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 on the issues. I would recommend that all members keep looking to our website for information.
I wish to thank John Jewitt, on behalf of all members, for the extremely hard work he has done over the
Photo Credit: Able Seaman Anne-Marie Brisson
Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) Imaging Services
© 2018 DND-MDN Canada
past 2 months to give our website its new look. I know it looks more professional and he will ensure that it is updated or upgraded as required. I would ask all Directors to send writeups and pictures of activities and events in your area so that we can display them on the website for everyone to see. Also, regarding John, he was honoured at the Silver Cross Luncheon with the Royal Canadian Legion Friendship Award which recognizes his work with the Legion on a host of projects, offering sound advice on Aboriginal protocols and reaching out to all Veterans. He provided advice and guidance in the development and desing to the 2013 Year of the Aboriginal Veteran Legion pin which has turned out to be the best selling pin produced by the Legion
Recently myself, John Jewitt, Devin Beaudry and Debbie Eisan were invited to a meeting in Winnipeg with the Veterans Transition Network. They are trying to institute and Aboriginal component to their program which will help our Veterans and hopefully other non-Aboriginal Veterans. The discussions centered on ensuring that what they do is in direct consultation with our Veterans (AVA) as well as respected and recognized Elders from all 3 of the groups on Canada. I believe this will take time for them to create a meaningful program which answers the needs of transitioning members of the CAF and will assist those who may suffer from physical and/ or mental injuries.
I have been invited to attend the National PTSD conference being held in Ottawa in early April. This is being sponsored by the Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. This is key to any development of strategy to deal with PTSD and also suicides within the Veterans community, CAF, Fire Fighter, Police and other EMS agencies. This is a start and we should be extremely happy that AVA has been invited.
I would ask our membership to continue working hard and should there be a need or requirement that requires my direct input do not hesitate to contact me.
Miigwetch, Marsee, Merci, Qujannamiik, All our Relations
Robert Thibeau, CD
