THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - Brian Leonard
Lest We Forget 

Greetings colleagues,

I write this week’s column with a heavy heart. 

I am writing on Indigenous Veterans Day, November 8, when we honour those Indigenous peoples who served or are currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. We pause to acknowledge and remember the service and sacrifices of an estimated 12,000 First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples with a long and proud tradition of military service that spans both World Wars, peacekeeping missions, and deployment in more recent conflict zones such as Afghanistan. And yet, despite their service for Canada, many returned home to face continued discrimination and mistreatment. Reconciliation is about acknowledging these shameful aspects of our past, and taking the time to reflect on the contributions of Indigenous veterans, and those on active service.

Remembrance Day, November 11, is a recognition of all the brave Canadians – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – who served and continue to serve our country in war, conflict, and peace. The assemblies and ceremonies that mark this day are also about remembering those who returned home forever changed by the trauma of violent conflict, and we acknowledge the sacrifice of their service. On this somber day, we also remember those who never came home. 

I encourage you to observe a moment of silence on Saturday.

Brian
Bleonard@bcpvpa.bc.ca