First Nations veterans still fighting for benefits & compensation

The Assembly of First Nations marked Remembrance Day by laying wreaths for First Nations veterans who participated in World Wars I and II, and the Korean war.

Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations said in a press release,

"We are marking November 11th by honouring all those who have served Canada with pride and distinction. This includes First Nations veterans who have served Canada in both world wars and in Korea. Yet First Nations veterans have not received the same treatment as other veterans. They have been denied benefits and compensation that others received. They have been discriminated against by the very country they fought for. Today, I call on Canada to honour our veterans by working with them to ensure they receive justice and fairness."

Norman Henderson, the President of the First Nations Veterans of Canada said

"We are pleased to have the AFN work with us in resolving these injustices. These long standing issues are a result of bad bureaucracy. After the wars, our veterans were never offered education grants or business loans - just land for farming on reserve. We were denied benefits because the Indian Act was used against us. First Nation veterans are only seeking the same level of compensation as any other Canadian who has defended their country."

Atleo was to accompany a group of First Nations veterans to the War Memorial in Ottawa for the observation of Remembrance Day. Padre Catherine Askew was to recite the Act of Remembrance in Cree, the second time for a Cree recitation. Last year, Tom Eagle recited the Act of Remembrance in Cree for the first time. The Assembly of First Nations has been trying to get benefits for First Nations veterans for years. In 2002, the government of Canada set aside $39 million to give to qualified applicants. The maximum amount the government is offering an eligible candidate is $20,000. However, First Nations Veterans of Canada say that First Nations veterans are owed millions in compensation. The key issue is that First Nations veterans are not receiving equal compensation and benefits as those offered to non-native soldiers, who have been awarded post-service benefits such as funding for education and housing as well as other benefits. It is not known how many First Nation people currently serve in the Canadian Armerd Forces. Veterans Affairs spokeswoman Janice Summerby said

"... the government is grateful to aboriginal veterans for their wartime sacrifice and dedication, and is committed to fairness and equity in providing for all Canadians who served their country."

A memorial for Canadian Metis soldiers was dedicated on November 11 at the Juno Beach Centre in France to mark the service provided by thousands of Metis soldiers during World Wars I and II. David Chartrand said

"The memorial will help our youth and all future generations of Métis Nation citizens honour the bravery and selflessness of our veterans. It will now be a constant reminder of how we must continue working to ensure all Métis Nation veterans get the acknowledgment and benefits they deserve."

Chartrand acts as both President of the Manitoba Metis Federation as well as the Metis National Council Minister for Veterans Affairs.

Metis National Council

The Metis Veterans' Memorial at Juno Beach Centre, France. The Red River Cart is one of the most widely recognized symbols of the Métis Nation. Photo courtesy of the Metis National Council.

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