Ref. # 02-3287

Canada's Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Honourable Chuck Strahl joined Métis National Council President Clément Chartier in attending Remembrance Day at the Juno Beach Centre in France at the unveiling of a traditional Red River Cart to honour Métis servicemen and women.

Courseulles-sur-Mer, France (November 11, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians attended a Remembrance Day ceremony today at Juno Beach.  Minister Strahl helped to unveil a Red River Cart that was traditionally used to carry Métis settlers across the Canadian prairies.  The Red River Cart is an historic symbol that will stand as a permanent reminder of the dedication, strength and determination of Métis veterans.  The Minister joined Métis National Council President Clément Chartier in saluting Métis veterans. 

“Our government is proud to acknowledge the valuable contributions and sacrifices made by Métis veterans, to which the Red River Cart at the Juno Centre is a lasting tribute,” said Minister Strahl. “We are grateful to all Aboriginal veterans for their sacrifices of the past, present and the future. This is a humbling moment for all of us who owe so much to those who made our freedom possible.”

During the second World War, when Métis joined the military offensive in Europe, many walked or rode hundreds of kilometres from their remote communities to enlist.  The Canadian military welcomed the thousands of Aboriginal people who enlisted because their skills as hunters and trappers proved to be valuable assets in the field.

“I am very proud to see this memorial unveiled for the thousands of Métis Nation citizens who fought, who were wounded and who died during the World Wars,” said Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council. “I hope it will help convey our eternal gratitude for the service and sacrifices these men and women made defending their people, their country and world freedom.”

The history of military service by Aboriginal peoples has been long and many Aboriginal Canadians continue to serve as members of the Canadian forces, both at home and abroad.

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