Aboriginal Veterans Day began in Manitoba in 1994 and has since spread across Canada. Crowds gathered Friday at Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Centre to commemorate First Nations soldiers.
Despite being exempt from conscription, nearly 10,000 aboriginals volunteered for service during the First and Second World Wars. Beginning in 1950, hundreds more signed up to fight in the Korean War.
Retired military police Cpl. Melvin Swan said it was those soldiers who inspired him to enlist. “I still pay homage to the veterans that I carry the torch for,” said Swan.
As he once looked up to the soldiers who paved the way for him, Swan has become a role model for aboriginal youth entering the military today.
Cpl. Jamie Felix credits Swan with encouraging him to join the Canadian Forces three years ago.
“I changed my life around,” said Felix, “Lost friends, met new people and started doing better things for myself.”
He said he looks forward to a long and rewarding career in the Canadian Forces.
