Women veterans honored in historical book

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The wartime stories and memories of 12 Aboriginal women will soon be available in an historical book created by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women in Edmonton.

Marilyn Adsit has taken on the task of writing the book, which is expected to be ready for release in the upcoming months.

Our Women in Uniform is a about the Aboriginal women who served for Canada in the Second World War.

"The intent of the book is to recognize and honor Aboriginal women who participated in the war," said Adsit. "A lot of Aboriginal veterans came out of the war and had no recognition at all."

Of the 76 Canadian Aboriginal women who served in the Second World War, 12 were found in Alberta.

"We found them through contacts with as many people as possible," said Adsit, adding that there were a few who didn't want to talk about it.

Women who did agree to an interview gave some very strong stories, said Adsit.

"It has been wonderful, they were very open," she said.

Some areas covered include race relations in the military, women's roles and veterans benefits. The stories are balanced with many photographs donated by the veterans.

Adsit said most of the women held the traditional women's roles of steno clerk during the war. Some, however, had very specific duties.

"One was a fitness instructor and another was with a high intelligence aero project up at [Canadian Forces Base] Cold Lake," she said.

Our Women in Uniform is being put together with support from the Provincial Archives of Alberta, which will use the book as a welcome addition to their growing archives on Aboriginal women.

Retail sales of the book have not been examined yet, but may be discussed in the upcoming months.

It is hoped that the book can bring more awareness for Aboriginal women veterans. Adsit even hopes that a wreath on behalf of Aboriginal women veterans could be incorporated into Remembrance Day celebrations this year.