Image credit: Mel Rothenburger

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Indigenous veterans memorial sends reassuring message

May 29, 2023 | 4:49 AM

ANYONE TEMPTED to accept the stereotype of indigenous peoples always asking for more from Canada should have been at a ceremony in the Lower Nicola on Sunday.

Because let’s face it, some Canadians do think that way. And they think indigenous Canadians have given up on this country.

But listening to what was said, the sentiments expressed, at the unveiling of a new monument to indigenous veterans who have served, and continue to serve, Canada and its allies, in the military and RCMP, would make them ashamed of such thoughts.

Hundreds attended the event, which was the culmination of two years of work by an extremely dedicated committee to create the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans Memorial. I was proud to have been invited to represent one whose name is on the monument.

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The three-pillared granite memorial includes the names of close to 70 indigenous veterans from the area, some of whom gave their lives for Canada. Some, in fact, are buried overseas.

Historical grievances weren’t ignored but they weren’t the focus. They were acknowledged in the context of indigenous Canadians having a long record of stepping up to protect this home of ours.

Indigenous soldiers were treated as equals by their comrades but a telling quote from one of them reveals a sad reality. When asked why he chose to go to war for Canada, he replied, “I fight for your freedom, freedom I don’t have at home.”

That theme came through in various speeches, including one by Carol Holmes, who headed up the committee to create the new memorial. “They stood up for freedom,” she said. “Their stories are our stories.”

It was also noteworthy that the ceremony was held in May rather than during annual Remembrance Day ceremonies. This gathering was a reminder that honouring our veterans isn’t a once-a-year thing.

Foremost, though, was a message of pride and reverence, and that we can make this country work.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.