November 28, 2024
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We are gathered today on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation.
I make this land acknowledgement to honour the full national history of Canada, which includes the stories of thousands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Indigenous peoples have always made contributions to Canada’s defence efforts.
We remember war heroes like Francis Pegahmagabow, an Anishinaabe from Wasauksing First Nation renowned as an exceptional sniper during the First World War.
We remember the code talkers of the Second World War, who translated sensitive radio messages into Cree and other Indigenous languages so they could not be understood if intercepted by the enemy.
These past few years, as commander-in-chief, I have met many Indigenous veterans and serving members of the Forces from across the country.
They have bravely served to protect our freedom and security on land. On sea. In the air.
Like Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul – whom you will have the honour of hearing from today.
And like Ms. Marcie Lane, a descendant of the Huron-Wendat Nation in Quebec.
Ms. Lane joined the army in 2000, following in the footsteps of her father, Harrison Lane. Her story is linked to the Canadian Armed Forces not only by her many years of service, but also by the heartbreaking events that shook her family.
Her husband, Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli, was a career soldier strongly committed to bringing peace and stability to people around the world. Tragically, while on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, he lost his life, only six months after he and Marcie had welcomed their first child into the world.
Ms. Lane is still devoted to the military-veteran-family community. Her daughter, Cadet Sergeant Olivia Vernelli, now serves in the Cadet Corps of her late father’s unit, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment.
Hundreds of Indigenous people like her contribute to the success of the Forces every day.
Indigenous peoples have also served with the Canadian Rangers in the North, assisting military personnel in combat exercises, surveillance activities and in perilous search and rescue missions.
Countless times, Inuit knowledge of Arctic geography and weather have been vital to the Forces.
Last year, I had the privilege of presenting the Order of Military Merit to Charlie Arngak, a Canadian Ranger from Nunavik.
Mr. Arngak knows the rivers of his region like the back of his hand.
On a cold January day, it was his knowledge that helped quickly locate and rescue two young hunters after their snowmobile had sunk beneath the ice.
Indigenous knowledge saving lives.
More recently, in September, I presented the King Charles the Third Coronation medal to Mr. Stevie Aulaqiaq from Nunavut, to recognize his 50 years of exemplary service to the Canadian Rangers.
Half a century of service, making contributions few people could make.
Mr. Aulaqiaq has taken part in military exercise patrols in places like Cambridge Bay, Alert and Resolute Bay. He helped lead the military safely to their destination. He taught personnel how to build igloos and how to harvest fish and seal so they can learn more about Inuit culture and survival.
What’s truly remarkable about all Indigenous peoples involved in the Canadian Armed Forces is their ability to preserve their cultural identity while building bridges with other Canadians.
This captures the powerful, transformative spirit of reconciliation.
Building bridges so that Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada can better know, understand and respect each other.
Building bridges so that we are all empowered to contribute our very best.
Building bridges so that we can all join forces to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Indigenous peoples bring unique knowledge, leadership qualities and values to the Canadian Armed Forces.
If you visit Confederation Park, not too far from here, you will see the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, which reflects these values:
Honour. Duty. Harmony with the environment.
But monuments and symbols are not enough.
We must ask ourselves: how, collectively, can we do better at fostering inclusion in our defence institutions?
How can we enhance Indigenous representation and leadership in the Forces?
How can we strengthen partnerships with Indigenous businesses in defence efforts and procurement?
Many of you here today are helping to advance Indigenous economic success and innovation.
I want to thank you for your continued work towards economic reconciliation.
I also want to thank everyone at OneHoop for organizing this conference, as well as the Department of National Defence for its support.
Developing meaningful partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is vital to our future.
And conversations like today’s are important for building such partnerships.
We also need to think about the young generation.
How can we address historical challenges to the military engagement of Indigenous peoples, so that today’s Indigenous youth can look forward to a military career that lives up to their dreams?
A career where they can be proud of their culture and language. Where they are confident that their leaders and colleagues will value and respect their unique cultural identity, knowledge and skills.
This is crucial.
The Royal Military College of Canada does great work on that front with their Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year program.
I met a few Indigenous cadets enrolled in the program, and I felt a sense of hope and pride in the way they talked about their learning journeys. It seems they’ve found a way to integrate military training and leadership development with the celebration of their culture.
This fills me with hope.
I remain steadfast in my commitment to walking the path of reconciliation with all Canadians.
We still have much work to do, but we are making progress.
Let us keep building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures to fortify Canada’s defence.
We will all be stronger for it.