Mi’kmaw Community Honors Veterans on Remembrance Day 2024

UPDATE: The Mi’kmaw community of Eel River Bar in northern New Brunswick commemorates its veterans with heartfelt ceremonies this Remembrance Day, reflecting a deep connection to military history. Just moments ago, the community gathered to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Indigenous soldiers during wartime.

Arianna Gauvin Sanders, a 17-year-old member of the community, expressed her pride and commitment to honoring her great-grandparents, Michael and Margaret (Pictou) Labillois, who both served in the Second World War. “I wanted to learn more about the significance of everything they’ve done,” she stated. Her dedication was highlighted last year when she participated in a program that focused on Indigenous veterans, where she discovered the lack of documentation for these soldiers compared to their non-Indigenous peers.

In 2024, Arianna traveled to Normandy to retrace the steps of New Brunswick soldiers who landed on Juno Beach. During the ceremony, she performed the Mi’kmaw Honour Song and laid tobacco ties on the graves of Indigenous soldiers, showcasing the importance of remembrance in her community.

According to Canadian officials, at least 3,000 First Nations members enlisted during the Second World War, with many more possibly unrecorded. “Even though they weren’t considered Canadian citizens, they still fought,” Arianna emphasized, underscoring the sacrifices made by Indigenous soldiers.

On November 10, 2024, Arianna served as the master of ceremonies for her school’s Remembrance Day event for the second consecutive year, further solidifying her role as a community leader. She searches for her great-grandparents’ banners among the 33 displayed in Eel River Bar, feeling a profound sense of pride. “I am just happy seeing them get their recognition,” she remarked.

Former chief Jake Caplin also takes part in the tribute by hanging a banner honoring his great-grandfather, Joseph Simonson, who served in both World Wars. “I always feel that connection with him,” Caplin shared, reflecting on the inspiration he drew from similar initiatives he observed in Presque Isle, Maine.

With 885 registered members in Eel River Bar, Caplin noted that many community members enlisted in both Canadian and U.S. military forces. “They wanted to do what was right and they wanted to fight for their country,” he said, pointing out the complexities of their motivations amid historical injustices.

Colleen Gauvin, Arianna’s grandmother and daughter of Michael and Margaret, shares the same pride. She recollects how her mother met a military recruiter on a train to nursing school and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division. “They told my mother that if she joined the Air Force, they would pay her,” she said, illustrating the challenging choices faced by women at that time.

Margaret later became the first female chief of Eel River Bar, leaving a significant legacy in Mi’kmaw cultural revitalization and was honored with the Order of Canada in 1996. Arianna’s father, Michael Labillois, a residential school survivor, served in various locations, including Canada and Europe, reflecting the dual histories of trauma and resilience. “He went from one hell… to another hell,” Colleen said, emphasizing her pride in his courage.

As the community continues to honor its veterans, the legacy of sacrifice and resilience remains a powerful force in Eel River Bar. “That’s who we are. We’re very proud people,” Colleen concluded, echoing the sentiments of a community dedicated to remembrance and cultural pride.

The ceremonies in Eel River Bar serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of war on Indigenous communities, reinforcing the importance of remembering those who served, even when their contributions were overlooked. The community’s commitment to honoring these veterans is more vital than ever as they shape the future of remembrance and legacy for generations to come.