Native American Veteran and Canadian aboriginal veteran List.

VETERANS IN CANADA

In the late 1990s and into the early years of the new century, veterans 'efforts paid off and led to the creation of the National Round Table on First Nations Veterans, which brings together veterans' associations. First Nations fighters, the Assembly of First Nations, National Defense, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to review the grievances of Aboriginal veterans. The process led to the recognition that First Nations veterans had been at a disadvantage with respect to access to veterans benefits, an apology and a compensation offer from the government in 2002.

On National Aboriginal Day, June 21, 2001, Her Excellency the Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, presided over the unveiling of the Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa.

This monument is a profound and enduring tribute to the contribution of all Aboriginal Canadians to war efforts and peacekeeping operations.

Many thousands of Aboriginal people were severely tested by participating in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. They served with honor and distinction in all services and ranks, from that of soldier to that of brigadier. They fought overseas to defend the sovereignty and liberty of the allied nations, and they supported this cause in the country. Finally, in peacekeeping operations abroad, they continue to show dedication.


Their heroic deeds earned them many decorations and the respect and friendship of their war comrades. Hundreds of aboriginal people from coast to coast gave their lives so that all Canadians could experience peace and inherit freedom. 

We, who want to follow their example, bow to the greatness of their sacrifice, and their determination is a source of inspiration. Our debt of gratitude towards them is immense.

Their heritage is still alive. When Captain Catherine Askew, Anglican chaplain of the Moose Factory Cree Nation, presided at a wreath-laying ceremony at Vimy Ridge in April 2007, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of this famous battle, she read her prayer in English and in Cree. "We must be grateful to them for all the sacrifices they have made and which we still enjoy today in our lives," she said. His words were a tribute to the thousands of young Aboriginal soldiers who had served their country:

Eyam ahatauw 
Neither moo shoo muk / noo koom muk / gitche Manitou 
Ni mah moo he too nan / ah nooch / kah kee see kak 
Oh tah eh may tay kwa yak 
Ki keh ski see tee tak / chi ki shi she muk 
Kee nah kah tah mook / oh ski ni pi mah ti si win 
Eh koo mah kah / kee put kah mook / a ni mah 
Kah ki stat ti kook 
Eh nuk keh skuk ah ni mah / ah kah kee too chi kah tek 
Kee mah if kewk / kah she mas kan nuk 
Puh ki you nan / kee kis ske see yak 
ah kah kee chi too tah kik / moo lah kah / she nah koon 
neither pun 
neither pi ma ti soon ah nooch 
puh ki te nan kee kis ske yak / may koch 
Neither moo shoo muk / noo koom muk / gitche Manitou 
kee meen te nan / oh mah / ah noah kah kee she kak 
oh mah / ah yum chi kay win 
eh kway mi chi pi pi shik ki tah yun 
may koch eh may tay kwa yak 
oh kik kah mah shi kay chik na peh wuk 
kah nee kan tay chik 
kah kee shi kah soot ki koo sis 
kah kee pah chi pam moo tat oh tay 
Chi meeg-wetch, meeg-wetch chi, meeg-wetch chi. 

Hello Hello, 
Grandfathers, grandmothers, Divine Creator. 
We are gathered today in this place 
of honor to remember your children. 
Faced with the impossible, 
they fought a battle that helped win the war. 
Remember that without their sacrifice, 
our lives would not be as they are today. 
Grandfathers, grandmothers, Divine Creator. 
Today we send you our prayers 
and we ask you to always be with us, 
for we honor these warriors who have preceded us. 
In the name of your Son who descended among us. 
Amen.