Defence Team Champion for Indigenous people and civilian co-chair for the Defence Team Indigenous Advisory Committee
Video / September 28, 2021
Transcript
A/CCA: Good day, I’m Major-General Michel-Henri St-Louis. Acting Commander Canadian Army. This position comes with the incredible privilege and responsibility to represent the Defence Team as the Champion for Indigenous Peoples. I am also co-chair for the Defence Team Indigenous Advisory Committee.
ADM(IE): And, I’m Rob Chambers, Assistant Deputy Minister, Infrastructure and Environment, and civilian co-chair of the committee.
ADM(IE): We’re pleased to be with you as the Government of Canada marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
A/CCA: The Canadian Armed Forces joins with the rest of Canada today in commemorating victims and survivors of the Residential School system. We must never forget these events, and commit to reconciliation in the spirit of respect and co-operation.
ADM(IE): And going forward, the Department of National Defence is dedicated, along with our government partners, to renewing our nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples. And also to enhancing and deepening it.
A/CCA: We are grateful to our Indigenous Defence Team colleagues. They serve this country proudly and provide us with vital guidance as we build those relationships. Thank you all.
ADM(IE): On September 30 we encourage you to take time to reflect; and also to make your own commitment to learning, listening, and understanding.
A/CCA: Together, on this day, but also every day, let us learn and reflect for a better tomorrow.