Remembrance

More than 60 Canadian Rangers from 14 First Nations from across Northern Ontario observed Aboriginal Veterans Day on Nov. 8 in a ceremony near Sioux Lookout. It was the first time Canadian Rangers in Ontario, who were on a week-long training exercise at Ojibway Provincial Park, have joined together to observe the day. Canadian Rangers are part-time reserve soldiers.
"What I saw today far exceeded my expectations. It was a phenomenal ceremony. I was totally moved by it," said Major Guy Ingram, commanding officer of the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.
The Canadian Rangers marched behind an eagle staff carrier and a Royal Canadian Legion colour party and formed a circle around a sacred fire to the sounds of an Aboriginal drum group. Several Canadian Rangers carried the flags of their home communities. Ralph Johnson, an Ojibway Eder from Sioux Lookout, spoke about the many sacrifices made by Aboriginal veterans on behalf of Canada. "It's nice to see Aboriginal veterans honoured in this way," he said. "For so long they weren't"