Veterans to be honored

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VERNON - If you are an Aboriginal veteran, you are entitled to receive the Aboriginal Veterans Millennium Medal.

The medal is recognition from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs for the long history Aboriginal people have in serving the Canadian Armed Forces and will honor those who risked their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom and democracy.

Aboriginal men and women who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Militia, U.S. Forces, Merchant Navy, and RCMP, as well as in peacetime services are all eligible for the award, as are deceased veterans.

The British Columbia Interior Aboriginal Veterans association is accepting applications for the medal to be received at a ceremony in Vernon on Aug. 13.

Celebrations with include a dinner and dance on Aug. 12 with a parade and medal presentation the next day. There may be other areas in B.C. planning celebrations. Contact your local Aboriginal veterans association for details.

Applications must be in by May 15 and must include photocopies of discharge papers or statement of service, which are available at the Public Archives of Canada at Genealogy Personnel Records Center, 395 Willington, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0N3 or fax at (613) 947-8456.

Call (250) 549-2428 or fax at (250) 549-2418 for more information about either the medal or the British Columbia Interior Aboriginal Veterans or send the application to Hillis Johnston at 118 3005 37 St., Vernon, BC, V1T 6X2. You do not have to be a member of this group to make application for the Aboriginal Veterans Millennium Medal.

Also accepting applications is the National Aboriginal Veterans Association c/o Claude Petit, 32 Moore Place, Saskatoon, Sask., S7L 3Z8, or call (306) 384-0565.