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  • Thank You Message — 25th Anniversary National Aboriginal Veterans Monument

    On behalf of Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA), and in my role as President, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped organize and support the 25th Anniversary of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument ceremony, held on National Indigenous Peoples Day, 21 June 2025, during the Summer Solstice.

    This anniversary was more than a commemoration, it was a powerful moment of remembrance, pride, and unity. Together, we honoured the courage and sacrifice of Indigenous Veterans and Indigenous serving members who have answered the call of duty across generations.

    I extend special thanks to:

    • Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for its continued commitment to recognizing and supporting Veterans and their families.
    • The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for its leadership, participation, and steadfast partnership.
    • The Canadian Rangers, whose presence reflected the strength of communities and the enduring spirit of service.
    • Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, for the honour of your participation and your words.
    • The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada, for your continued support and long-standing dedication to Veterans and to reconciliation.
    • John Jewitt, AVA Secretary, for your tireless work behind the scenes and your commitment to AVA’s mission; and
    • Elder Aurel Dubé, for welcoming all participants with generosity, dignity, and wisdom, grounding this gathering in respect and tradition.

    We also acknowledge, with gratitude and humility, that this ceremony took place on Algonquin Territory. We thank the Algonquin people and the host community for allowing us to gather, remember, and honour the fallen on this land.

    To all Veterans, serving personnel, families, community members, and supporters who attended: thank you. Your presence carried meaning. Your respect strengthened the moment. Your commitment helps ensure that the stories, contributions, and sacrifices of Indigenous Veterans are never forgotten.

    May we continue this work, together, with truth, with respect, and with lasting recognition.

    With gratitude,

    Robert Thibeau

    President, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA)

  • Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones – Annual General Meeting – 20 June 2026

    Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
    Annual General Meeting
    20 June 2026

    Location: NCR Officers Mess, 149 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0H7
    Participants: All AVA Members
    AGM Scheduling and Venue
    The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones Ottawa is scheduled to take place in Ottawa on 20 June 2026.
    Meeting timings: 10:00hrs 20 June 2026
    Meeting Venue: NCR Officers Mess, 149 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0H7
    Check the AVA website for updates

    Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones Agenda

    1. Call to order
    2. Land acknowledgement
    3. Opening remarks and welcome
    4. Approval of agenda
    5. Approval of previous AGM minutes
    6. President’s report
    7. Treasurer’s report
      – Financial statements
      – Budget overview
    8. Committee and program reports
      – Membership
      – Events and outreach
      – Veterans support and advocacy
    9. Old business
    10. New business
    11. Elections and appointments
      – Nominations
      – Voting
      – Announcement of results
    12. Resolutions and motions
      – By-Law Amendment
    13. Open floor and questions
    14. Announcements
      – Upcoming meetings and events
    15. Adjournment

  • Claims Window Update – Canadian Armed Forces Racial Discrimination Class Action

    [Un message en français suivra]  

     As a reminder to members, the Claims Period is open and you may submit your claim. The Claims Period for the Canadian Armed Forces Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment Class Action will close on October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. This is a hard deadline so please make sure to submit your Individual Claim Form with the Claims Administrator before this date.

     If you have already filed a claim with the Claims Administrator:

    Any additional communication regarding your claim will come directly from the Claims Administrator, Deloitte. If you have any questions regarding the submission or processing of your claim, please contact them directly:

    Website: www.cafrdclaims.com 
    Phone:1-844-720-0499
    Email:     cafrd@deloitte.ca

     

    If you still need to file a claim:

    Do not worry, you still have plenty of time to submit. The Individual Claim Form can be downloaded from here and you can submit your claim through one of the following methods:

     

    Stewart McKelvey is offering assistance with form and narrative reviews prior to submission, but any other questions regarding the submission process should be directed to the Claims Administrator (Deloitte) at cafrd@deloitte.ca or 1-844-720-0499.

     

    Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

    ***

    Pour rappel aux membres, la période de réclamation est ouverte et vous pouvez soumettre votre réclamation. La période de réclamation pour le recours collectif pour discrimination raciale et harcèlement racial dans les Forces armées canadiennes prendra fin le 15 octobre 2026, à 23 h 59 (HP). Il s’agit d’une date limite ferme, veuillez donc vous assurer de soumettre votre formulaire de réclamation individuelle auprès de l’Administrateur des réclamations avant cette date.

     

    Si vous avez déjà déposé une réclamation auprès de l’Administrateur des réclamations :

    Toute communication supplémentaire concernant votre réclamation proviendra directement de l’Administrateur des réclamations, Deloitte. Si vous avez des questions concernant la soumission ou le traitement de votre réclamation, veuillez les contacter directement :

    Site Web : www.cafrdclaims.com  

    Téléphone : 1-844-720-0499

    Courriel : cafrd@deloitte.ca

     

    Si vous devez encore déposer une réclamation :

    Ne vous inquiétez pas, vous avez encore amplement le temps de soumettre votre réclamation. Le formulaire de réclamation individuelle peut être téléchargé ici et vous pouvez soumettre votre réclamation par l’une des méthodes suivantes :

     

    Stewart McKelvey offre de l’aide pour la révision des formulaires et des récits avant la soumission, mais toute autre question concernant le processus de soumission devrait être adressée à l’Administrateur des réclamations (Deloitte) à cafrd@deloitte.ca ou au 1-844-720-0499.

     

    N’hésitez pas à communiquer avec nous si vous avez des questions ou des préoccupations.

     






















    Stewart McKelvey

    Queen’s Marque
    600-1741 Lower Water Street
    P.O. Box 997
    Halifax, NS  B3J 2X2
    T: 902.420.3200
    F: 902.420.1417
    www.stewartmckelvey.com  







  • Upcoming 35th Balkans Commemoration Information










    Website: https://www.balkans35.ca/


    Participate (share a story or return-trip survey): https://www.balkans35.ca/ways-to-participate










  • National Aboriginal Veterans Monument

    National Aboriginal Veterans Monument
    25th Commemoration Ceremony
    21 June 2026 Ottawa, Ontario

    The Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) cordially invites you to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa, Ontario. This ceremony honours a quarter-century since the monument’s unveiling and pays tribute to the legacy of The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, who, as Canada’s Governor General, presided over the historic dedication.

    We are are pleased to extend an invitation to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada to attend this significant event.

    Significance of the Monument

    The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument represents all Indigenous Veterans from across Canada who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Their service encompasses:

    · Both World Wars
    · The Korean War
    · Afghanistan
    · Numerous peacekeeping and peace-making missions

    This ceremony honours those who rest in graves on foreign soil, those interred throughout Turtle Island, and celebrates Indigenous warriors who continue to serve, following the path laid by their predecessors.

    Event Schedule
    AGM: Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
    Date: Saturday, 20 June 2026
    Location: Ottawa, Ontario Lord Elgin Hotel
    Time: 1000 hrs

    All AVA members are strongly encouraged to attend this important meeting, which will address significant issues and provide opportunities for fellowship, discussion, and meaningful connection within the community.

    Official Commemorative Ceremony
    Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
    Location: National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, Ottawa, Ontario
    Time: 1030 hrs

    Participation in both events is highly recommended for all members, reinforcing the importance of unity and collective remembrance.

    Dress Code
    · Business attire is recommended for all attendees
    · Veterans are invited and encouraged to wear their medals
    · Serving military officers and current members are expected to attend in dress uniform 1A

    RSVP Information
    To facilitate event planning, please confirm your attendance no later than Monday, 15 June 2026.

    Contact:
    Mr. John Jewitt, Program Coordinator
    Telephone: 613-324-9437
    Email: jhjewitt@gmail.com

  • Veteran Family Telemedicine Service (VFTS)

    We are pleased to share that the Veteran Family Telemedicine Service (VFTS) is now available to all eligible Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, their families, and survivors. Signing up is easy and free of charge.

    To learn more and register for the VFTS, please visit Maple’s website.

    Eligible Veterans that have released on or after 1 April 2025, their families, and survivors can register. The registration period will end on 31 March 2027.

    The VFTS is funded through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) in partnership with the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. It connects eligible participants to Maple, a national network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners, and healthcare providers who are accessible online via secure text messaging, audio, or video.

    Initially launched on 3 January 2022 as a limited time initiative, the VFTS has been extended until 2027.

    We encourage you to share this information within your networks.

    Sincerely,

    Community Engagement Team
    Veterans Affairs Canada
    engagement@veterans.gc.ca

     If you would like to receive updates about our public consultations and Veterans Affairs Canada’s Salute! e-newsletter, please subscribe here.

  • Funding Acknowledgement – Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC)

    Funding Acknowledgment

    Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones is proud to announce that we have received funding from the Department of National Defence (DND) through the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC). This support enables us to continue our vital work in serving Indigenous veterans and their families across Canada.

    About This Partnership

    The funding provided by DND’s Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre reflects a shared commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal veterans. This partnership supports our mission to provide culturally appropriate services, advocacy, and resources to Indigenous veterans who have served our nation with distinction.

    Our Commitment

    With this support, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones will continue to:
    • Provide specialized support services tailored to the needs of Indigenous veterans
    • Advocate for recognition and fair treatment of Aboriginal veterans
    • Deliver culturally sensitive resources and programming
    • Foster healing and community connection among Indigenous veterans and their families
    • Address the impacts of sexual misconduct through trauma-informed care and support

    Acknowledgment

    We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Department of National Defence through the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre. This funding demonstrates a meaningful commitment to supporting Indigenous veterans and addressing the critical issues affecting our community.
    For more information about our programs and services, please contact Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones directly.

  • Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine reappointed as Veterans Ombud

    Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine reappointed as Veterans Ombud

    From: Veterans Affairs Canada

    News release
    21 November 2025 – Veterans Affairs Canada
    The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, is pleased to re-appoint Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine to the role of Veterans Ombud.
    The Veterans Ombud is responsible for reviewing complaints arising from the Veterans Bill of Rights and examining issues related to programs and services administered by Veterans Affairs Canada.
    Jardine served almost 37 years as an officer in the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (RCEME). She enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1982 and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Science in Math and Physics. She has served as the Veterans Ombud since 23 November 2020.
    The re-appointment is for a period of three years and is effective 23 November 2025.

    La colonelle (à la retraite) Nishika Jardine reconduite dans ses fonctions d’ombud des vétérans


    De : Anciens Combattants Canada


    Communiqué de presse
    21 novembre 2025 – Anciens Combattants Canada
    L’honorable Jill McKnight, ministre des Anciens Combattants et ministre associée de la Défense nationale, est heureuse de reconduire la colonelle (à la retraite) Nishika Jardine dans ses fonctions d’ombud des vétérans.
    L’ombud des vétérans est chargé d’examiner les plaintes découlant de la Charte des droits des anciens combattants et d’étudier les questions liées aux programmes et aux services administrés par Anciens Combattants Canada.
    Nishika Jardine a servi pendant près de 37 ans comme officière dans le Corps du Génie électrique et mécanique royal canadien (GEMRC). Elle s’est enrôlée dans les Forces armées canadiennes en 1982 et a obtenu un baccalauréat ès sciences en mathématiques et en physique du Collège militaire royal du Canada. Elle occupe le poste d’ombud des vétérans depuis le 23 novembre 2020.
    Le renouvellement du mandat est pour une période de trois ans et prend effet le 23 novembre 2025.

  • Canadian Armed Forces Racial Discrimination and/or Racial Harassment Class Action Settlement (Claim Form)

    This Claim Form is for individuals who are or have been enrolled as Canadian Armed Forces Members at any time between April 17, 1985 and January 10, 2025, and who were subjected to Racial Discrimination and/or Racial Harassment. (Click here to open Claim Form)

  • Canadian Veterans Advocacy Super Guide

    This guide is designed to simplify the process and ensure you have access to the information you need. However, it is not intended to replace official VAC resources. (Click here to open guide)