FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is supporting an initiative honouring Indigenous veterans who fought to defend Canada.
The focus of the Last Post Fund’s Indigenous Veterans Initiative is to provide markers for unmarked graves and add traditional names of Indigenous veterans to existing military grave markers. The Last Post Fund is a national charity that provides funeral, burial and grave-marking benefits to Canadian veterans through Veterans Affairs Canada and private donations.
“As we recognize Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8, I am very proud that the Department of Aboriginal Affairs has been working with Saint John historian and veteran Harold Wright, branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and Chief Terry Richardson of Pabineau First Nation on this important initiative,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn. “There are no words to express the respect and gratitude we owe to these veterans and those who continue to serve this country.”
Richardson, too, is a veteran – having served in the Gulf War, Bosnia and twice in Afghanistan.
Four markers have been placed in New Brunswick to date, all at Natoaganeg, also known as Eel Ground First Nation.
People who believe a family member or community member may qualify for this program may call 1-800-465-7113, ext. 222, or email [email protected].
08-11-21