"The event provides an opportunity to inform military members
and civilian employees of the Defence Team about the
contribution of First Nations peoples to the defence of Canada,
and to gain a better understanding of the culture of
their First Nations colleagues and neighbours."

(You can click on photos below to see larger size)

First Nation and Military Mutual Admiration
For the fourth year the Navy honours First Nations Veterans

Gift-Giving from Chief Andy Thomas, Esquimalt First Nation
to DND's Vice-Admiral Ron Buck

"Our veterans have been to hell and back and helped make what we have today here possible, and I honour them", said Chief Thomas

"There's so much rich heritage and culture represented by the First Nations and we sadly as a country and as an organization have neglected that. In some small way I felt it right that we try redress that and this is but one small portion of that",
said the Vice-Admiral.

Pauquachin Chief Mavis Henry
Accepted medallion on behalf of her father George Underwood

"This kind of warfare that we're in now has to do with intellect and it has to do with getting along and it has to do with finding that common ground that brings us together in peace, not in warfare and bloodshed."

T'Sou-ke Elder Frank Planes receives Millenium Medalion
from Vice-Admiral Buck & Esquimalt Chief Thomas

Elmer George of Songhees presents medallion
to Theresa Dion, Metis

"I'm blind and I'm sick, but I'm going to keep on going.
We're on our way up and it thrills me.
We're on our way out of the woods.
There is great hope for us."
Leonard Simcoe, Ojibway Veteran

Joy Ward, Metis receives medallion from Chief Thomas

The Warriors Song
Yellow Wolf Drum Group - Tsartlip Nation

There was plenty to feed the appetites for food and culture
buffalo and salmon burgers, potato salad, corn, and bannock, a First Nations craft sale and plenty of culture - drumming and dancing.

The Webster Dance Group, Nuu-chah-nulth

PERSPECTIVE
Huge Progress made in Building Relations
Between DND and First Nations

DND - Walking the Red Road

Aboriginal Canadians
have a long and honourable tradition
of military service