Leading the way
Eskasoni cadet ‘honoured to show up’ for Mi’kmaw veterans on Remembrance Day in Membertou
Jolie Jeddore remembers feeling cold during her first Remembrance Day parade as a cadet four years ago. She says there was so much to absorb that first year that she and the other young cadets focused on not freezing, but that each year as the ceremony became more meaningful for them, those nervous chills soon melted away. Now, the 18-year-old Cadet Warrant Officer 2nd Class will lead her Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 29 Sydney Kiwanis for the first time at this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony in Membertou as she marches at the front, calling out commands. The role is one that Jeddore, who lives on reserve in Eskasoni, feels especially honoured to undertake as a Mi’kmaw woman leading the cadet’s march at a ceremony honouring Mi’kmaw veterans and those currently serving. “It’s ok when it is a nonIndigenous person, but it’s really great too when a Mi’kmaw person does it because it’s their land. So I’m really honoured to lay down that wreath and have that special connection with them while I’m up there,” she says. A meaningful day Jeddore has been an air cadet for five years, during which time she has completed summer training at the Greenwood Cadet Training Centre and become a snare drummer in her squadron band. She remembers her first parade and what it felt like to participate in a ceremony she’d never been part of before. When the marching ended, she approached the cenotaph to lay a wreath by the monument. “It felt kind of cool because I’d never really done something like that before,” she says. She says marching with her squadron is always a special experience that bestows the cadets with a sense of responsibility as they represent their fellow youth. Lieutenant (N) Terri Lynn Evoy-pynn has been a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces for 15 years and now works with Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 70 New Waterford. She says participating in Remembrance Day activities is a valuable experience for cadets as they pay respect to veterans and their role in Canada’s history and fighting for the freedoms that such youth enjoy today. “Watching [them] take great pride in being able to honour our veterans and listen intently to the stories of those who have served our country — it’s hard not to be proud,” says Evoy-pynn. Guarding history The Membertou ceremony happens in addition to the other ceremonies in Sydney and is a reserve-specific event that honours all who have served but also pays special attention to the contributions of Mi’kmaq people. Jeddore says this makes it even more special for those who attend, as they feel represented in the ceremony unfolding before them. “I know all of these last names and can tell they are of Mi’kmaq descent. It’s paying homage and respect to our people — letting them know what they did was right. Whether you lost your life or you’re still here with us, we appreciate you,” says Jeddore. She says other cadets thinking of participating in the Membertou and other Remembrance Day ceremonies should feel it is an opportunity for them to think of and appreciate those who’ve served in wars and fought for Canada and also a time to be aware of the rights they’ve been given. “It’s not that hard to take time out of your morning off school to be there for the veterans. You’re being a good citizen and representing our squadron and our youth. I feel honoured to show up for our Mi’kmaw veterans when I’m there, guarding their cenotaph,” says Jeddore.