Thank you, Mr. Chair and members, for having us here today to speak about the experiences of indigenous veterans and Black veterans.
In the spirit of reconciliation, I'd like to begin by acknowledging that Ottawa is built on the unceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory and that the peoples of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation have lived here for millennia.
When it comes to military experience, Mr. Chair, we know that indigenous people and Black Canadians have historically faced significant discrimination, notably in the form of overt exclusion and systemic racism. From discriminatory enlistment policies to forced assimilation, the treatment endured by indigenous people and by Black Canadians is a stain on our history.
We've worked hard to address this regrettable legacy, both by recognizing the generational impact of the wrongs committed and by taking action to eliminate any barriers that have kept indigenous people and Black Canadians from receiving the care and support they are entitled to as veterans. We've made some progress, but there's still much more work to do.
The minister's mandate letter contains several commitments designed to achieve results for equity-deserving veterans. Specific to those who are indigenous, we are working to reduce barriers to accessing services, including improving outreach to indigenous communities and expanding the offering of culturally appropriate services, which our department has been doing through our indigenous veterans engagement team.
In its first year, VAC's indigenous veterans engagement team conducted over 80 in-person engagements with indigenous communities and veterans. This included participation in five trade shows, conferences and annual meetings, as well as presentations to CAF leadership, to Canadian Rangers, to indigenous leadership opportunity year participants and to the RCMP.
The team also made more than 40 community visits, attended six festivals and powwows and took part in two international events. Notably, they supported a delegation of families and community members who travelled to the Netherlands to commemorate indigenous soldiers at their graves through the indigenous legacy project.
Veterans Affairs Canada has been working to improve indigenous veterans' access to culturally appropriate services. We're working with other government organizations to create a process that ensures indigenous veterans can smoothly connect with programs, such as traditional healing and elder services. This approach respects the vital role of indigenous communities in identifying and delivering culturally specific supports.
We've also listened closely to indigenous leaders and to community members, including the Southern Chiefs Organization, which has shared its perspectives on improving these services. Through ongoing dialogue and based on feedback, VAC continues to adapt and refine this process, ensuring that the services align with the unique needs and the cultural perspectives of indigenous veterans.
Our department signed a letter of understanding with the Assembly of First Nations in April 2023 that highlights joint priorities in veteran engagement, outreach and commemoration. In 2019, we signed a Métis veterans recognition payment contribution agreement to address concerns raised by the Métis National Council with regard to the treatment of Second World War Métis veterans.
We are also committed to recognizing the military service of indigenous peoples and Black Canadians and their achievements in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Since 2020, our commemorative partnership program has approved a total of more than $865,000 in funding for 80 projects in indigenous communities or projects commemorating the contributions of indigenous veterans.
You may know as well about the particular focus our department has placed on telling the story of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. With funding from our commemorative partnership program, organizations are encouraged to plan commemorative activities, develop educational materials and build or improve community war memorials that commemorate the battalion, its members and its legacy. This dedicated funding responds to a recommendation from the national apology advisory committee, which conducted consultations with descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion and members of Black communities on their vision of a meaningful apology.
Following the first call for proposals last February, 15 organizations received funding for 16 projects that honoured the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion: interactive websites, educational events, new memorials and learning exhibits.
Exhibits, plaques and commemorative ceremonies are unique ways to commemorate these people, who left such an indelible mark on Canada's military history through their courage, sacrifice and determination to serve despite the obstacles they faced.
We have also supported a number of indigenous and Black veterans through our veteran and family well-being fund, which provides grants and contributions to private, public, academic or indigenous organizations to conduct research and implement initiatives and projects that support the well-being of veterans and their families.
While Veterans Affairs Canada is taking many steps to ensure that indigenous and Black veterans receive the support and services they need and deserve, we recognize that much more needs to be done.
That is why we eagerly await this committee's recommendations on how we can improve these veterans' experience.
Thank you.
