Credit River Metis Council

 The Credit River Métis Council welcomes all Métis Veterans. In REMEMBERING our Veterans, we are honored to host this page, dedicated to our Métis Veterans and their needs. 

Our Métis Veterans are citizens of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Veterans Council and some are also members The National Aboriginal Veterans Association (N.A.V.A.), and the Canadian Legion.

                                           MNO VETERAN’S COUNCIL

 Aug. 22, 2009 at AGA

President: Maurice Sarrazin 

Vice-President: Steve Callagan 

Treasurer: Rene Gravelle

 Secretary: Joseph Paquette

 Sgt. at Arms: Jean Camirand

Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans Travel to France

Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans Travel to France

Ottawa, ON - November 6, 2009 --- When the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in the push to liberate Nazi occupied France during the Second World War, hundreds of Métis from Canada were among the ranks. Some were killed, many were wounded and many survived. The survivors returned to Canada – but only in recent years have their significant sacrifices been recognized.

On November 11, a memorial, dedicated to the Métis who served will be unveiled at Courseulles-sur-Mer, France. The memorial includes an exhibit highlighting Métis culture and the contributions of Métis soldiers, aircrew and sailors during both World Wars. It will also feature a Red River Cart, one of the most widely recognized symbols of the Métis Nation.

Over a dozen Métis veterans from across Canada will be in France to take part in the Remembrance Day Dedication Ceremony. They will join National Métis Council President Clem Chartier, Manitoba Métis President and MNC Minister for Veterans Affairs David Chartrand, the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister for Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians.

The Métis Nation of Ontario will be proudly represented by World War 2 Veterans Don Fowler and Joseph Gagnon. Maurice Sarrazin ,Chair of the MNO Veterans Council and MNO Youth Representative Nicholas Callaghan will also be part of the delegation.

The MNO has also sent Medals of Appreciation to all MNO Veterans. The Medals acknowledges the contribution of Métis citizens in protecting and defending the rights and freedoms that all Canadians enjoy. It is symbolic of the efforts of Louis Riel who was forced to take up arms to protect the rights of Métis people and paid the ultimate price.

For further information please contact:

Monique Richard
Executive Assistant
PH: 613-498-1488
or by e-mail moniquerichard@metisnation.org

<B>New Definition of a Veteran </B>

VAC and the Department of National Defense (DND) have extended veteran status to former Canadian Forces members and Reserve Force members who:

• meet DND's military occupational classification requirements (MOC-qualified); and
• have been released from the Forces with an honorable discharge.

Veteran status recognizes the potential risk that Canadian Forces members assume by donning the uniform and pledging allegiance. Veteran status does not mean that all former members are eligible to receive VAC benefits and services. As in the past, access to VAC benefits and services will continue to be based on your eligibility status and need.

 Veterans Affairs   http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/sub.cfm?source=salute/fall2001/definition

 Canadian Legion       http://www.legion.ca/Home/Links_e.cfm#Branch_Links

 MNO         http://www.metisnation.org/

Nov. 16th, Louis Riel Day in Toronto

Receiving an Eagle Feather

The Eagle has always been regarded with great respect and was given the task of looking onto human kind.

When one receives an Eagle Feather, it is a sign of the highest acknowledgment from the community or organization, for ones deeds, courage, struggles or of being of service to that community.

This is the highest gift one can receive and care must be taken as to not allow the Eagle Feather come in contact with drugs or alcohol.

The Eagle Feather is the ultimate sign of respect and as such, must be given the same in return.

A Feather press or envelope is usually used for the safe storing of the Eagle Feather.

From time to time, the Eagle Feather, as with many other sacred items must be feasted. This is done by making a Spirit plate with a sample of the foods to be consumed, and place outdoors, usually at the base of a tree. This way we honor the Eagle Feather and all of our relations. The Eagle Feather is recharged with sacred energy.

      Never abuse, never disrespect, and never contaminate your Eagle Feather.                                                                                                                                             

 J.R. Paquette 2009

NAVA Main Site

http://www.bcaboriginalveterans.ca/home-page

 Contacts

http://www.bcaboriginalveterans.ca/contacts

Membership  

http://www.bcaboriginalveterans.ca/membership

Kit Shop Order Form

 Aboriginal Veterans Millennium Medal Requirements 

http://www.bcaboriginalveterans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/national-aboriginal-veterans-association-medals-regulations-02.pdf

Aboriginal Veterans Millennium Medal Application

http://www.bcaboriginalveterans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/national-aboriginal-veterans-association-medal-application-form-02.pdf