Acknowledging achievements and hardships: Manitoba Métis Federation holds Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony

Indigenous Veterans were celebrated during a Remembrance Day service over the weekend.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) hosted the fourth annual Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony.

On Saturday, the ceremony took place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164, located in Lac du Bonnet. The event featured a flypast from the Royal Canadian Air Force, a colour party, Métis music and youth jiggers from Kinew Local. A documentary about Sergeant Lawrence LaLiberte, a World War II veteran who participated in the European theatre of war was premiered at the end of the ceremony.

Act of Remembrance was read both in English and French – each respectively by MMF’s veterans minister Shawn Nault and associate minister of French and Michif language protection of MMF Marielle Gauthier.

Vice president of the MMF Andrew Carrier said the Indigenous Veterans Day does not intend to draw attention away from Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

“Instead, it allows us to acknowledge the experiences, achievements, sacrifices and hardships that are unique to Indigenous veterans, understanding that our veterans and their families faced many hardships,” Carrier said.

“The day allows us to acknowledge achievements as well as unfair treatment that our veterans often faced upon returning or during their service and show them that the commitment that their communities will always make space for them.”

Ken Lodge, mayor of the town of Lac du Bonnet said the Indigenous veterans served together with non-Indigenous men and women, to save a shared vision of the future and not allow evil to triumph.

“All of them made a sacrifice – some of the ultimate ones of their lives and dreams, so that we have some,” Lodge said.

“Some came home scarred, burdened and continued to pay for the sacrifices made for us because of what they had witnessed and experienced was a heavy burden for them and for our society.

“All of that effort, that sacrifice – was ultimately for us and for peace between peoples.”