NTI Mourns Deaths of Nunavut Agreement Negotiators Meeka Kilabuk and Terry Fenge

Press Release

November 10, 2015

THUNDER BAY: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and members of the Executive Council will join First Nation and municipal leaders to honour the contributions of First Nations in war and peacekeeping operations during Remembrance Day ceremonies tomorrow.

“On November 11 we honour the contributions of our warriors who have served with distinction in the Canadian Forces on the battlefield and those who continue this proud tradition in combat and peacekeeping missions around the world,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “From the War of 1812 through two world wars, Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq First Nations have a proud history of stepping forward in defence of Canada’s interests at home and abroad, even when they were not considered citizens of Canada and did not have the right to vote.”

The Executive Council will participate in the following ceremonies and supports Remembrance Day activities in First Nations and urban centres across northwesten Ontario:

• Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler will lay a wreath at the Mount McKay cenotaph at Fort William First Nation.
• Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum will lay a wreath at the Waverley Park cenotaph.
• Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose and Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox will lay a wreath at Fort William Gardens.

The Executive Council also recognizes the dedication and service of the Canadian Rangers, who provide vital lifesaving and security services across Nishnawbe Aski. The 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group has 650 Rangers in 23 First Nations in NAN territory.

Unveiled before Chiefs-in-Assembly in 2009, the NAN Veterans Flag honours the service and sacrifice of NAN veterans. The flag was presented to all 49 NAN First Nations to help ensure the wartime contributions of First Nation veterans are remembered.

For more information please contact: Michael Heintzman, Director of Communications – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625-4965 or cell (807) 621-2790 or by email mheintzman@nan.on.ca

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