3 Sask. men reflect on Indigenous Veterans Day
CBC
Three First Nations men from Saskatchewan who served in the Canadian Armed Forces say National Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8 is a time to reflect.
Mahekan Ahenakew, who grew up in Ahatahkakoop Cree Nation, said being raised traditionally was almost a secret weapon when he was with the Canadian Army.
He said thanks to the way he was raised he was good at finding game trails, reading the land and reading the waters.
Ahenakew joined at 17, after seeing a recruiting booth at a powwow in Regina. He said during the grand entry, he noticed the way the veterans were honoured. He said he enjoyed playing Call of Duty and was attracted to the sense of camaraderie and brotherhood the military offered.
But he was also aware of the history of First Nations people serving in the military, something he said he wanted to uphold.
He became a member of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry 2nd Battalion, and served in the North Saskatchewan Regiment and the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group in Afghanistan in 2009.
He said November is a time to reflect on the sacrifices others made.
“I notice myself changing during the month of November,” he said.
“It usually takes me a little while to understand in regards to why the changes are occurring. It's usually in remembrance of somebody that's not around anymore.”
The 36-year-old retired from the military four years ago with the rank of master corporal.
“Now that I'm home, it's almost like a journey starts to begin to enlighten others about the experiences that they might be able to have in their lifetimes,” said Ahenakew.
“Although they might not always be positive, you can still come out and still have a good attitude.”
Ahenakew now does survival training for surrounding communities in the area and said he does it with not so much drill sergeant energy but with nêhiyawak energy.
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