SACRIFICES OF FIRST NATION WARRIORS NOT FORGOTTEN BY AIAI
For Immediate Release:
November 10, 2011
London, ON – The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) would like to honour and pay special tribute to all First Nations Veterans and Warriors on Remembrance Day.
“First Nation communities have a very long, proud and storied military presence and this will undoubtedly continue”, stated Grand Chief Denise Stonefish. This tradition is recorded in Canada all the way back to the War of 1812, where the alliance of First Nations and Canadian soldiers was vital to halting an American attack.
Further examples of this alliance exist through every major conflict that Canada has been involved in since its formation. During both World Wars, many First Nation communities had large percentages of their populations volunteer to fight alongside their Canadian counterparts, despite not being subject to conscription. This is but one example of the willingness of First Nations to make the ultimate sacrifice for their traditional territories along with their allies.
AIAI would also like to see a greater degree of gender equality in regards to recognition of accomplishments and sacrifice. Often overlooked, First Nations women have made considerable effort during war and peace time. These women were Comrades in Arms not only working in hospitals and medical posts, but also serving in areas of transportation, communications, mechanical, parachute rigging, administration and photography.
Grand Chief Stonefish emphasizes, “Our First Nations military brothers and sisters deserve our utmost respect and admiration in defending our homelands. Their spirits, both living and moved on will continue to guide and watch over us.”
AIAI is mandated as a political territorial organization to defend and enhance the Aboriginal and Treaty rights of its eight member First Nations. Their website may be visited at www.aiai.on.ca .
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For more information, please contact: John Jones, Communications Coordinator - AIAI at 519-434-2761 or jjones@aiai.on.ca .
