MÉTIS NATION HONOURS VETERANS

The year 2020 marks significant remembrances throughout Canada and exceptionally within the Métis Nation.

Seventy-five years ago, our young Canadian men and women answered the call to arms to defend the world against genocide and tyranny. Many of them did not make it home. Many of them Métis. On the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII it is important to honour the fallen, honour all Veterans of the past and those who still today defend and protect our country and freedom.

It was 150 years ago that Métis Leader Louis Riel led the people of the West into confederation. May 12 marks the day the Manitoba Act was proclaimed, and Manitoba was founded as the very first western province of Canada. An act realized by the leadership of Louis Riel that ultimately led to his death on November 16, 1885. Every year we pay homageto the armed conflict between Canada and the Métis Peoples of the West. And every year we pay homage to our fearless leader Louis Riel who paid the ultimate sacrifice of his life as he defended liberty and freedom.

Our Métis Nation is a nation of patriots. We have always answered the call to arms of our mother country Canada, even when our mother country was not always kind. This 75th Anniversary also marks a special anniversary for the Métis Nation. For it has taken 75 years for the Canadian Government to reconcile with our WWII Métis Veterans and have them take their rightful place in history as patriots and defenders of Canada.

When Canadian soldiers returned home from the war, they were given benefits and opportunities to re-establish themselves. Unfortunately, our Métis WWII Veterans were cast aside, disregarded, and left on their own to rebuild their lives and the lives of their families. So many left this world broken and alone and had no country that supported their suffering of horrific experiences and memories of the war. The Métis Nation has waited. Many leaders have come and gone since WWII, and yet we waited, keeping faith that one day a Leader would come and right the wrongs of history. That day has come, and that Leader is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Our Prime Minister and his government reconciled with the Métis Nation WWII Veterans and their families. Our prayers were answered. A legacy fulfilled. Prime Minister Trudeau will now take his rightful place in the history of the Métis Nation as a true Leader that forever changed the tapestry of our country and of the Métis Nation. A true Canadian.

I remember being at an outdoor Remembrance Day Service several years ago, where there was only enough seating for the Veterans and the elderly. I overheard a young girl complain to her mother that it was too cold, and she was tired and wanted to sit down. The mother hugged her daughter and told her “Think of why we are here, think of the suffering of all the men and women who fought to give us freedom. Surely little one you can suffer for one hour to pay respect and honour the sacrifices of these great men and women.” And that is exactly what they did. While the daughter did not fully understand, she knew that it was not an option. She was going to stand and suffer for all Veterans. The mother knew her daughter did not fully understand, yet she knew that her daughter would not forget her suffering and would come to understand in time. It is in these acts of remembrance that we ensure our Veterans are never forgotten.

Our heroes today, tomorrow, and forever.

Meeqwetch, Vice President David Chartrand Minister responsible for Veterans Métis National Council