Métis Veterans

by Dalton Sun 10 Mar 2019, 1:43 pm

Metis veterans from Second World War awaiting apology from federal government

Canadian Press
Published: March 10, 2019

OTTAWA — The vice president of the Metis National Council is urging Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay and his staff to ensure an apology is issued soon to Metis veterans from the Second World War.

In a letter to the minister, David Chartrand says an apology to veterans who were "disrespected" and "ignored" must happen soon because veterans are nearing the end of their lives.

Chartrand says the Manitoba Metis community recently lost another Second World War veteran, who did not receive recognition and justice before his death.

He also says the federal government and the Metis Nation were close to reaching an agreement under former veterans affairs minister Seamus O'Regan.

O'Regan was moved out of the portfolio and into Indigenous Services during a January cabinet shuffle.

MacAulay's office says it plans to speak with Chartrand and the Metis National Council in the near future on the issue, adding the minister remains committed to "appropriately recognizing" Metis veterans for their courage and sacrifices.

The Canadian Press

https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/canada/metis-veterans-from-second-world-war-awaiting-apology-from-federal-government-290980/

by Sandman Fri 22 Mar 2019, 8:46 am

'The insult': Ottawa's move to honour Métis war vets comes after years of stonewalling

There may be just a handful of Canadian Métis vets still living

Murray Brewster · CBC News · Posted: Mar 22, 2019

Canadian veteran Leo Goulet stands before a memorial during ceremonies to honour Métis veterans of the Second World War at Juno Beach Center, near Caen, Normandy, France, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. (David Vincent/The Associated Press)

Nearly 20 years ago, when Veterans Affairs Canada documented the "discrimination and outright fraud" perpetrated against the country's Indigenous war veterans, it deliberately excluded former Métis soldiers.

David Chartrand, vice-president of the Métis National Council, said he could never understand "the insult," nor why senior Veterans Affairs officials fought so hard for years against compensating those former soldiers who risked their lives for Canada during the Second World War and the Korea conflict.

Bureaucrats were so determined to block compensation for Métis, in fact, that when the Métis National Council and other organizations wanted access to federal government files that could have proved their claims of systemic discrimination, they were blocked.

The department's own internal records dismissed the issue this way: "Métis veterans did not face the same administrative realities as First Nations veterans."

Few Métis veterans still living

It has been years since the federal government compensated status veterans for being shut out of postwar benefits programs to which they were entitled.

This week's federal budget set aside $30 million to "commemorate" forgotten Métis soldiers.

There may be as few as five of those veterans left alive.

"It'll be late, but at least it'll be there," said Chartand, who has spent the better part of the last two decades fighting for compensation for both former soldiers and their families.

A House of Commons veterans committee investigated the official discrimination against former Indigenous soldiers; it sidestepped the question of accountability in a recent study.

"Members do not have enough information to make an informed judgment on the reasons that prevented the government from settling with Métis veterans," said the committee report, released last month.

The money in the federal budget, Chartrand said, will be used to set up a trust fund to benefit the survivors and their descendants. At some point in the future, the federal government also will offer an official apology and possibly a land settlement.

Many former soldiers who fought for their country overseas were given access to loans and grants to establish farms.

Métis ex-soldiers who applied for that money faced indifference, "discrimination" and "racial answers from young bureaucrats at Veterans Affairs" and were told to "go back to their traplines," said Chartrand, who interviewed a number of survivors.

"So a lot of them, of course, never went back again after their treatment."

'We fought hard for Canada'

The apology and the offer of compensation fits into the Liberal government's broader narrative of reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians, but Chartrand said the experience left many Métis broken, bitter and wondering why they fought.

"We were good at what we did and we fought hard for Canada," he said. "In the end, they didn't get personal care. They didn't get mental care and many of them end up dying young. And many of them ended up dying in a bottle with their kids not understanding the horrors of what they went through."

One of the challenges ahead for the council will be to track down surviving veterans and their families.

First Nations veterans may have been easier as a group for the federal government to compensate because they lived on reserves, where registration of their claims — and instances of Ottawa's failure to approve them — were easier to document.

Métis veterans didn't live on reserves. Often, they came from communities in remote corners of Western Canada.

After the war, some Métis vets in Alberta and Saskatchewan were told by the federal government to "move to collectively held Metis settlements or Métis farms," the Commons committee report said.

"Injustice is more difficult to document for Métis veterans because they did not live on reserve and therefore were not 'Status,' which would have made them more easily identifiable," the report said.

Three years ago, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the federal government had jurisdiction over Métis people and Indigenous people without Indian status.

That means the government has the same responsibilities towards them as it does towards status Indians and Inuit.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/metis-veterans-canada-aboriginal-1.5066577

by **Replica** Mon 25 Mar 2019, 8:41 pm

N.W.T. Métis leaders doubt they'll be able to access $30M to honour Métis vets

Métis National Council says money will be available to all Métis, regardless of where they live

Alex Brockman · CBC News · Posted: Mar 25, 2019

Métis Veterans Aboriginal-veterans-topix

Métis veteran Leo Poitras salutes after laying a wreath in Vimy, France. The federal budget sets aside $30 million to commemorate the contributions of Métis veterans. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)

The leaders of the two Métis political organizations in the Northwest Territories say they have doubts portions of the $30 million meant to commemorate Métis veterans will reach the territory.

The Liberal government pledged the money in last week's federal budget to recognize and "commemorate" the contributions of Métis veterans to Canada in the Second World War.

Those veterans have long been denied the same recognition as non-Indigenous and First Nations veterans, and the money is expected to be used to set up a trust fund to benefit the survivors and their descendants.

Bill Enge, the president of the North Slave Métis Alliance, and Garry Bailey, the president of the N.W.T. Métis Nation, say they doubt they'll be able to access it for use in the Northwest Territories.

That's because neither the North Slave Métis Alliance or the N.W.T. Métis Nation are associated with the Métis National Council of Canada — the organization responsible for administering the $30 million.

"It's going to be a challenge for sure," said Bailey. "We're going to have to make a pitch to the Métis National Council rather than with the federal government on a nation-to-nation basis."

"I'm going to be optimistic and hope we can, based on the success we've had over the last couple years," he said. "But I doubt we'll get anything, and if we do, it won't be sufficient to do what needs to be done to recognize our veterans."

Enge, the president of the North Slave Métis Alliance, which represents Métis living north and east of Great Slave Lake, said he too would pitch for a share in the money to honour Métis veterans from the territory.

This has nothing to do with our governments.
- Clément Chartier , M é tis National Council
Based on past experience, he also doubts that request will go anywhere since the national council doesn't have an obligation to share any money it gets from Ottawa to non-affiliated Métis organizations, Enge said.

"There's no guarantee that the Métis National Council of Canada will be forthcoming with any of that funding," Enge said.

It's unclear how many Métis from the N.W.T. served in the Second World War and whether they are still living in the territory.

'They will be included'
For its part, the Métis National Council has been advocating for 20 years to earn compensation and recognition for the service of Métis soldiers who fought in the Second World War.

It's believed there are as few as five of those veterans still alive.

Clément Chartier, the president of the Métis National Council, sought to ease Bailey and Enge's fears.

The details have not yet been worked out, but the money will be available to all Métis veterans and communities across Canada — regardless of where they are located, Chartier said.

"It will be a fund for Métis Nation World War Two veterans; if there are Métis veterans in the Northwest Territories who served, they're eligible," he said. "If there are communities where World War Two veterans lived, they're eligible as well."

Chartier used Fort Smith, N.W.T., as an example, saying that community would likely be able to access some of the money to build a monument or hold a ceremony if they chose to do so.

"This has nothing to do with our governments," he said. "All they would have to do is communicate with us and give us the facts of World War Two Métis veterans … certainly, they will be included."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/metis-vets-commemoration-fund-1.5070833

by **Vizzer** Thu 13 Jun 2019, 8:10 pm

Feds cut cheque for Metis veterans of the Second World War

Published:
June 13, 2019

Métis Veterans Ws20190215cp12_69591724-e1560456541272

Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand

The Metis Nation and the federal government struck an agreement nearly 20 years in the making in Ottawa on Thursday.

Both parties wrote their signatures on the $30-million Metis Veterans Recognition Payment Contribution Agreement. The agreement will have money paid out to the few remaining Metis veterans from the Second World War, as well as setting up a trust fund for families.

Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand, who is also the Metis Nation’s Minister Responsible for Veterans, said Thursday’s agreement is less about money and more about recognizing the unknown number of Metis who fought in the Second World War.

“This is a lasting legacy,” Chartrand said Thursday. “It’s a great day for veterans, for the Metis Nation, and I’m ecstatic for the families, who are going to be so proud that justice has been sought.”

Chartrand said he began negotiating the deal when Jean Chretien’s Liberals were in power, furthered them under Paul Martin’s short stint as Prime Minister and then they fell silent under Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.

“What really broke the camel’s back was that we have a Prime Minister that believes in trying to correct the wrongs of the past,” Chartrand said.

Federal Minister of Veteran Affairs Lawrence MacAulay said contributions from Metis serve as a source of honour to their families, their communities and to all of Canada.

“Our Government recognizes the incredible sacrifices and achievements that Métis veterans have made in the defence of peace and freedom for Canada,” MacAulay said in a statement. “Addressing the concerns of Metis veterans is a significant step forward in the process of reconciliation. The Government of Canada will continue working to ensure that the needs of Indigenous Canadians, including Metis Citizens, are met.”

Chartrand said there are three veterans still alive and he said he’s personally going to deliver them a cheque. He already did so earlier this month in England for a fourth veteran, who is 99 years old and originally from Saskatchewan.

For the remaining funds, a consultation process will occur.

Chartrand said they will speak to the siblings of veterans for their opinions on what the trust should do and where the money should be allocated.

“We’ve heard some already, people from the community that are so ecstatic and they want a monument built in their community,” Chartrand said. “Others want Metis youth sent to Juno Beach so they can get to know and understand and feel what our veterans gave up and go to their gravesites.”

https://winnipegsun.com/news/news-news/feds-cut-cheque-for-metis-veterans-of-the-second-world-war

by Garrison Tue 16 Jul 2019, 7:37 am

Métis Nation honours Glacier View resident

SCOTT STANFIELD / Jul. 15, 2019

Comox Valley Record

by Lonestar Wed 21 Aug 2019, 9:34 am

'Totally shocked and surprised': Windsor Métis veteran presented with $20,000 cheque

CBC News · Posted: Aug 21, 2019

Métis Veterans Wdr-wilfred-rochon-and-david-chartrand

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-metis-veteran-1.5254261

by Phantom Thu 31 Oct 2019, 8:32 am

After decades-long fight, Métis veterans recognized for their service

AMANDA SHORT October 30, 2019

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/after-decades-long-fight-metis-veterans-recognized-for-their-service

by Stanleyz Mon 02 Mar 2020, 11:40 am

Second World War veteran to be honoured by Métis Nation

March 2, 2020

Calgary Herald

by Ranger Tue 03 Mar 2020, 7:53 am

98-year-old Métis veteran recognized for her contributions during World War II

National News | March 2, 2020 by Brittany Hobson

https://aptnnews.ca/2020/03/02/98-year-old-metis-veteran-recognized-for-her-contributions-during-world-war-ii/

by Silveray Tue 24 Mar 2020, 4:25 pm

COVID-19 can’t derail honouring of 101-year-old Metis veteran

Published:
March 24, 2020

Winnipeg Sun

by Jumper Thu 01 Apr 2021, 5:37 pm

30th WWII Métis hero found and thanked for his service through the Métis Veterans Legacy Program

Métis National Council
Apr 01, 2021

WINNIPEG, MB, April 1, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - The Métis Nation proudly recognizes the service and sacrifices of Thomas Charles Johnston, a Métis Veteran of World War II. Born in 1925 in Teulon, Manitoba, Veteran Johnston followed his brothers into the Canadian Army in 1944, where he served two years before being discharged for medical reasons. Though he was disappointed by his inability to continue serving, he remained a lifelong advocate for military service with his friends and family.

Today, he was presented with a cheque in the amount of $20,000 as part of the Métis Veterans Legacy Program, established in partnership with the Trudeau government to commemorate forgotten Métis soldiers.

"It's like a gift every time we find an eligible Métis Veteran to recognize and thank," said David Chartrand, National Spokesperson and Minister of Veteran Affairs, Métis National Council. "It took 75 long years for Métis Veterans to receive this recognition, and it's a race against the clock to ensure we reach all our surviving heroes from World War II within their lifetimes. I wish that COVID-19 hadn't stolen my chance to go out and meet with Veteran Johnston directly, to hear about his experiences personally."

"I am so proud of the Métis Veterans Legacy Program and what it's been able to achieve for our Métis Veterans," said Clara Morin Dal Col, Minister of Health, Métis National Council. "Our Veterans are so precious to our Nation, demonstrating our fighting spirit and our heart for democracy. As a fellow resident of British Columbia, I am honoured that our province is Veteran Johnston's home."

"My sister, brother and I as well as his grandchildren are all very proud of him and happy for him to be recognized for his service as a proud Metis," said Veteran Johnston's daughter, Jennie Michalenko. "This is very exciting for us to see Dad be accepted for this legacy and acknowledged for his service."

As for Veteran Johnston, he simply said, "I am very proud to be recognized."

As of today, the Recognition Payments have been given to 30 living WWII Métis Veterans, along with 27 spouses and 15 children of deceased WWII Métis Veterans. On behalf of the Métis National Council, Minister Chartrand continues to search for Métis Veterans of WWII.

Anyone who believes they or their family member are eligible for Recognition Payments for WWII Métis Veterans are encouraged to call 1-800-532-1993, email veteran.info@metisnation.ca or write to:

Métis Veterans Legacy Program
c/o Manitoba Metis Federation
3rd Floor-150 Henry Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 0J7

For more information on the Metis Veterans Legacy Program please visit: metisveterans.ca

Métis Veterans: Our heroes today, tomorrow, and forever.

Métis National Council

by **Spider** Mon 08 Nov 2021, 9:44 am

Métis veteran honoured by Korea for re-enlistment after years as a POW in Second World War

Ka’nhehsí:io Deer · CBC News · Posted: Nov 08, 2021

https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/urban-vermette-metis-korean-war-medal-1.6238869

by **Kizzer** Mon 22 Nov 2021, 4:37 pm

Recognizing Métis veterans

Will Goodon, Minister Of Housing for the Manitoba Métis Federation discusses how the group recognizes Métis veterans.

Monday, Nov. 22, 2021

by Sponsored content

Métis Veterans

Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans

Re: Métis Veterans