A wreath laying ceremony helped conclude Friday's service in Prince Albert. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

We will remember them

‘They were warriors’: PAGC ceremony honours indigenous veterans

Nov 10, 2023 | 4:54 PM

Steven Ross says the men who volunteered to fight during World War I and World War 2 were warriors.

The former grand chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations’ Veterans Association, was among the speakers during Friday’s Remembrance Day service at the Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services building.

He was referring to the fact that in 1918, the federal government granted an exemption to status indians from overseas combat.

“They heard the call, they volunteered,” he said. “They were warriors and it was in their blood.”

Ross further noted the brave men did not hate the enemy, but were simply doing a job.

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“We didn’t have the right to vote, but still we fought for this country, we fought for our people and we fought for our treaties,” he explained.

Steven Ross. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Upon returning home, indigenous veterans were not treated the same as other Veterans and were often denied access to full benefits and support programs. Emile Highway is from Reindeer Lake and served 20 years with the Canadian Armed Forces.

He is also one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association and explained the idea of having an event separate from the one held by the City on Remembrance Day arose from feelings they were being ignored in the mainstream events.

“We felt it was important. A lot of our people died overseas,” he said.

A number of widows were present during Friday’s ceremony. Highway noted the struggles women faced at home, while their husbands were away. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron was among the dignitaries and encouraged all the veterans to share their experiences with their families.

“Lest we forget. Your stories, your experiences go a long way,” he said.

Cameron also addressed the young cadets in attendance and warned them they too will encounter conflict and peer pressures in the forms of drugs and alcohol.

“By saying no, it’s the most powerful thing you can do for yourself, your family, and your community,” he said “That’s what our veterans have always pushed for.”

Recently elected FSIN fourth Vice Chief Craig McCallum noted he’s been thinking a lot lately about the reasons why Indigenous veterans went to war, and what he was prepared to lay his own life on the line for.

“What that reminded me is my responsibility, our responsibility to honor that sacrifice,” he said.

McCallum also acknowledged the young people present and encouraged them to honor the Veterans by going up to them, talking to them, and asking them to share their stories.

The veterans gather for a group photo. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian Kelly from the La Ronge detachment looks on. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Cadets take turns shaking hands with the veterans. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Leona Munro, this year’s silver cross mother, was wrapped in a star blanket. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Munro shares a moment with Muskoday Chief Ron Bear. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Also present during Friday’s services were representatives from the RCMP, Prince Albert Police Service, and Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne.

Noting the work that’s been done so far in the city to honour local veterans, including renaming the parks, Dionne promised more action to come.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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