PAGC honours Indigenous Veterans Day with ceremony

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron echoed Hardlotte, and singled out the many Indigenous Cadets in attendance.

“As Hardlotte said, we need more RCMP officers,” exclaimed Cameron. “We need more warriors in the army… you are that.”

“From what you do here, young cadets – young men and women, what career you choose in the area you’re choosing, you must do it in an alcohol and drug-free state of mind. You must live that sober life to develop your potential. You are our next warriors.”

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron speaks alongside other FSIN leaders at the Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony in Prince Albert. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

The two-hour program began with a colour party, followed by a prayer from Bishop Adam Halkett and Arianna Michel singing O’ Canada and reciting In Flanders Fields. The drum group Ironswing then played the Flag Song, Victory Song, and Honour Song.

A rendition of Amazing Grace was then played on a fiddle, followed by a star blanket presentation to three local veterans in Emile Highway, Steven Ross, and posthumously to Norman Henderson, which was accepted by his wife Myrna.

Left to right: Emile Highway, Myrna Henderson (representing Norman), and Steven Ross stand together after receiving star blankets. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

The tragedy at CFB Wainwright last month was also touched on by many of the speakers on Monday, with Highway getting emotional when talking about the funeral service for Pte. Shaun Farrell this past Wednesday. A long moment of silence was held for Farrell, along with the other three soldiers who also died.

Prince Albert veteran Emile Highway was visibly emotional as he spoke about Pte. Shaun Farrell while being consoled by fellow veteran Graham Murdoch. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

To close out the ceremony, six wreathes were laid next to a memorial near the podium, which honoured World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Peacekeeping, the RCMP, and Silver Cross Mother. That was followed by a rendition of the Last Post, and a reading of the Ode of Remembrance by Felix Merasty.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun; And in the morning; We will remember them.”

A photo of all the veterans, community leaders, and uniformed personnel that attended Monday’s ceremony. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

(Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

by Logan Lehmann

PAGC honours Indigenous Veterans Day with ceremony

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