Juno Beach Centre acknowledges Indigenous Veterans in letter of appreciation

By Marci Becking

ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY- In April 2022, the Anishinabek Nation issued a news release that voiced concerns over a proposed condo project close to the D-Day landing site on Juno Beach in France.  This was a place that on June 6, 1944, Allied Forces, including many Indigenous soldiers, landed during the Second World War.

It was announced on October 7 that Canada was to purchase the land, stopping the build from happening on that site.  Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay said during the announcement: “By working with the French government and the town, we were able to stop it and I am so pleased the land [will] be preserved for years to come.”

At the beginning of October, the local council in Courseulles-Sur-Mer decided to purchase the land with help from the Canadian and French governments in order to preserve the site.  Canada’s contribution would be $4 million.

From the Anishinabek Nation news release, Northern Superior Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Mel Hardy stated, “Our Veterans have acutely stated that preserving the lands where many citizens from our Nation sacrificed their lives, is a sacred and cultural responsibility.  “We must ensure the continual honouring of their memory and care for the land where this event happened.  It is paramount in recognizing the selfless contributions made by WWII Veterans and all those who lost their lives in this horrific battle.”

In a letter sent to Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe and Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Mel Hardy from the Juno Beach Centre, gave thanks for the “consideration, advocacy and assistance that helped ensure the legacy of the Juno Beach Centre will continue for generations to come”.

The letter continues, “Your support is invaluable and has made possible the Juno Beach Centre’s long-term efforts to preserve and honour Canada’s military legacy, including that of Indigenous Second World War Veterans.  These brave soldiers served a country that did not treat them as equal citizens and we can never forget their sacrifices, nor their struggles to receive equal treatment when they returned home”.

We remember Indigenous Veterans this Tuesday, November 8.