Remembering and Honouring Our True Warriors and Heroes

Like most Canadians, Remembrance Day continues to be a very important day and time for the Mushkegowuk. The time leading up to and after November 11 is when we take time to remember and honour our “True Warriors and Heroes.”

 

During the time leading up to WW1 and WWII, the Canadian Government came to the James and Hudson Bay area searching for soldiers and without any hesitation, hundreds of our men (and women) signed up and went to the battlefields. Thankfully, some of our Warriors and Heroes came back home, but sadly, many did not come back home to their families.

 

Although many survived and came back home from the wars, the traumatic events they experienced during and after the war adversely affected them and their families for the rest of their lives. The Government of Canada never provided any mental health services for our Veterans to help them cope with the traumatic events of war. And, it is likely that many of the families and communities continue to feel the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder today.

 

As well, the Government of Canada has yet to honour or fulfill their promise of land and equipment for our War Veterans. Most Veterans across Canada received land and equipment, but not our Veterans from WWI & WWII. “It will never be too late and we strongly encourage the Government of Canada to fulfill their promises of land and equipment, and find a way to provide support from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder for Veterans and their families” says Grand Chief Jonathon Solomon.

 

We must also be mindful and honour all Mushkegowuk War Veterans that toured and fought in other recent or current wars happening in the world…we cannot forget about our people from our communities…they are our “Warriors and Heroes” also, says Deputy Grand Chief Rebecca Friday.

 

“If it wasn’t for these brave men and women, we would not have our freedom, rights and homelands today, and we will forever be most thankful” says Grand Chief Jonathon Solomon.

 

Meegwetch

 

Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon