oliviaandkiley-blog

[oliviaandkiley-blog]

GOING BEYOND THE TEXT - Indigenous Studies Blog :0

Hello. We're Olivia and Kiley. We are 15 years old & this is our Social Blog! We will be talking about the settlement reached in 2001 decided by the federal government & the First Nations war veterans.

Many Indigenous people had hoped their wartime service and sacrifice would increase their rights in Canadian society. But Canada did not treat them the same as other Veterans after they returned to Canada. They were denied full Veteran benefits and support programs. Despite serving on the front lines together, Indigenous Veterans were left behind compared to their non-Indigenous comrades. This treatment made their transition to life back home even harder. This discrimination had a negative impact on many brave Indigenous people who had given so much in the cause of peace and freedom.

On National Aboriginal Day (June 21) 2001, the National Aboriginal Veterans monument was unveiled by the then- Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson to commemorate the contributions of Indigenous peoples in wars & peace making. They were also given $20,000 in compensation.

We believe that money and monuments cannot undo the unfair treatment the Indigenous Veterans have suffered. Money should never be considered a way to bring peace and equality.

Sources:

Veterans Affairs Canada

National Aboriginal Veterans Day