Paying their respects to fallen warriors
Sons of Membertou heading to Vimy ceremonies next month
For Austin Christmas, respect for elders and fallen warriors is an important part of who and what he is.
Christmas has been involved for years with the Sons of Membertou, a wellrespected Mi’kmaq drumming and singing group, and is now the group’s drum keeper. For North American aboriginal cultures, the drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Christmas and four other members of the group will supply that important symbolic rhythm when they perform at the 100th anniversary ceremonies of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France next month.
“Respect for fallen warriors and the sacrifices of all involved in the fight for world freedom is very important to the Mi’kmaq,” says Christmas. “We have a deep appreciation for those that have sacrificed and lost during those horrible times. This is truly an honour for us to be invited to perform some of our sacred songs and dance in honour of all sacrifices made.”
In the early morning hours of April 9, 1917, Canadian soldiers at Vimy Ridge, France, marched though the winddriven snow and sleet into machine gunfire that would eventually take 3,600 of their lives.
It was an assault that would see more than 10,600 Canadian casualties. It would also see the Canadians along with the British capturing more ground, prisoners and artillery pieces than any previous British offensive of the First World War. The battle created a stronger sense of national identity and raised Canada’s stature internationally. Christmas says Veterans Affairs invited the group to attend the French ceremonies and they will be performing over a three- to four-day period.
“Respect for fallen warriors and the sacrifices of all involved in the fight for world freedom is very important to the Mi’kmaq. We have a deep appreciation for those that have sacrificed and lost during those horrible times.
Austin Christmas
Five members of the group will be going to France including Christmas, Jeff Ward, Brian Marshall, J.R. Isadore and Shaylene Johnson.
“We leave on April 4,” says Christmas. “We arrived in the early morning and I believe we go right into rehearsals and sound checks for a few days and then into performances.”
As well, knowledge keeper Ed Neveau and his wife Madelain Hardisty-Neveau and two hoop dancers from Western Canada and organizer Yvonne Mosley will also be attending the Vimy ceremonies.
Mosley says the Sons of Membertou will be performing in a preshow on April 9 and at one other event. As well, one member will also be participating in a special sunrise ceremony.
Mosley says she involved the group because she’s worked with them before and is aware of their high ethics and standards when it comes to what they do.
“They’re a fine drum group.” The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge Commemorative Ceremony takes place in Vimy at 4 p.m., April 9, and more than 25,000 people are expected to attend the day’s events.