Veterans Affairs Committee on May 8th, 2018

[Emile Highway]

There probably is. Really, I cannot exactly put my finger on what it could be, because I think, if we were to deliver those services straight across the board and lump aboriginal veterans with the rest, then we maybe miss something in there that would benefit the aboriginal people. That's something that I think needs to be examined to take a close look at it.

There's something there that I can't quite put my finger on. I think if we were just to treat these programs and deliver them.... What's the word, generically?

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

Yes, exactly.

[Emile Highway]

I think we would miss something there. I think we wouldn't be advancing forward as an association or you as a committee. I think there's something there that needs to be examined.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

If the Department of Veterans Affairs consulted with your organization, for example, and others across the country to find out how they could improve that service delivery model to indigenous veterans, do you think that would be welcomed by your association?

[Emile Highway]

Absolutely.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

With regard to the veterans offices that have now reopened across the country, I understand one has reopened in Saskatoon. Does that office serve veterans throughout Saskatchewan?

[Emile Highway]

Yes, as far as we're aware. We're very appreciative that it reopened.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

What's your view of how that office is performing right now, as far as its service delivery to veterans in Saskatchewan?

[Emile Highway]

I believe it is required. I think more aboriginal veterans should be made aware of the existence of that office in Saskatoon, so they can access what the office is doing to help them fill out application forms and answer any questions they might have. I think it's necessary that it be there.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

It should proactively make sure they are getting the services and programs they are entitled to, rather than sitting back and waiting for indigenous veterans to come to them. Would you agree with that?

[Emile Highway]

Yes.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

Chief Ross, is there a difference in how services are accessed by indigenous veterans living on reserve or off reserve? Is there a relationship between VAC with any bands, for example, in Saskatchewan, and how they deliver their services?

[Grand Chief Steven Ross]

I don't think there's a difference. I think the problem for first nations veterans, wherever they might be, is knowing where to go. There's an office in Saskatoon, and that should be where they are going, but at the same time, the office doesn't know where the veterans are. That's one of the problems: communication and direction.

But there is no difference that I'm aware of.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

Mr. Highway, you spoke about the recognition of veterans and the incredible service of indigenous peoples in our armed forces. I note that throughout our history of World War I and World War II, the amazing gallantry of our indigenous veterans is incredible. We need to make sure that story is being told to our next generation. I think an important way to do that is to ensure we are better recognizing and celebrating the history of indigenous veterans.

Is there something you would specifically recommend to the government as to how we can better recognize the service that indigenous peoples have played in our forces? If so, what would that be?

[Grand Chief Steven Ross]

There could be a number of things. We're working on things in Saskatchewan to be more visible as first nations veterans. We get involved in parades. We have a float in the Saskatoon parade. We have a float in the Fort Qu'Appelle parade. That's being more visible to the next level. We're also working on a monument for the Saskatchewan First Nations University of Canada. It will take quite a while, but those are the things we're trying to do.

I'm not good at asking, but.... When our first nations veterans pass to the next world, we provide a semi-military funeral. We feel they deserve it. Nobody has ever done that for them before, and we feel it's our duty to provide that service for them. It's good for the family, for the community, and it's good for everybody.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

Thank you both very much.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Phil McColeman]

Thank you both for travelling here and for taking your time to come to this committee to give us the words you have today. I'm sure they are going to be very meaningful in terms of the report we will write. You will get a copy of that report when we complete it. Thank you so much on behalf of the committee.

Colleagues, just a reminder that there is not going to be a meeting this Thursday.

Mr. Johns, we're out of time. Can I have unanimous consent to extend the meeting for Mr. Johns?

Okay, go ahead.

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

I just need one minute; this will be really brief.

I wanted to see whether everyone was agreeable to adding another witness, a gentleman named Ricardo Manmohan. He does a Rangers program with Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation on the west coast. It's phenomenal, groundbreaking. He's been doing it for a couple of years, and now other nations have asked him to deliver the program.

I just wanted to see whether we could add him to the list for witnesses. I think it would be a benefit to all of us. He's non-partisan all the way, a great witness.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Phil McColeman]

Very quickly, are there any objections?

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Phil McColeman]

Seeing none, we will add him.

The meeting is adjourned.