Delegation to honour Indigenous soldiers who died during Second World War
Posted September 13, 2023 2:03 pm.
Last Updated September 13, 2023 7:09 pm.
Veterans Affairs Canada says there are plans to honour the graves of Indigenous soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands during the Second World War.
The Indigenous Legacy Project, which was founded earlier this year, says it has identified 81 Indigenous soldiers buried in the northwestern European country.
It says the delegation abroad will include family and representatives of 13 of the recently identified soldiers, elders, representatives of Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones and the deputy minister of Veterans Affairs.
“We’ve searched all over Holland for First Nations, Inuit and Métis soldiers buried in the region. After an outpouring of interest, and much collaboration, we’ve been able to identify 81 Indigenous soldiers so far. It’s a privilege to welcome some of their descendants to our country as we recognize and commemorate their many sacrifices,” Royal Canadian Legion Branch 005 President Martin Reelick stated in a release issued Wednesday.
#DYK that there are branches of The @RoyalCdnLegion outside of Canada?
Today, we thanked RCL Branch 005 for their work commemorating Veterans in the Netherlands and leadership with the Indigenous Legacy Project.https://t.co/ntttivPPwD#CanadaRemembers pic.twitter.com/jjXqDpGzJL
— Veterans Affairs CA (@VeteransENG_CA) September 13, 2023
“Members of the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones stand in silence to commemorate the loss of those Indigenous soldiers who died during the Second World War. During conflict, soldiers, regardless of skin color, religious beliefs or sexual orientation were equals and they died in the name of freedom,” spokesperson Robert Thibeau added.
“For those Indigenous family members attending this is a first step in reconciliation for past hardships and with hope, we shall move forward in the quest for equality.”
As many as 175,000 Canadians took part in the liberation campaign beginning in 1944, and more than 7,600 of them died.
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Veterans Affairs Canada says the initiative aims to recognize the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the Second World War and foster a connection to their shared history.
The Liberation of the Netherlands was Canada’s last major contribution to helping the Allies achieve victory in Europe during the Second World War.
