Aboriginal Spiritual Journey Essay Contest - an opportunity for Youth
CANADA'S ABORIGINAL YOUTH
(16 to 18 years of age)
An opportunity to participate in the
ABORIGINAL SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
October 25 to November 5, 2005
Canada's Aboriginal Veterans, in conjunction with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada, will undertake a special Aboriginal Spiritual Journey to the Battlefields of Europe to call home the Spirits of our fallen Warriors. The Journey will comprise of Second World War Veterans; Aboriginal Traditional Spiritual Leaders; National Aboriginal Leaders; members of the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
A representative group of thirteen Youth will accompany the Official Delegation to Europe. First Nation, Inuit and Métis youth, between 16 and 18 years of age, who are interested in taking part in this special opportunity are requested to submit a written essay of 300 to 500 words in length.
ESSAY QUESTION
Why is it important for Aboriginal youth to remember and honour the sacrifices and achievements of Aboriginal soldiers who served their country during times of war, military conflict and peace?
Deadline for submissions is Monday, August 15, 2005. All entries must be postmarked by that date and sent by mail to:
ABORIGINAL SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
Youth Representative Selection Committee
C/O INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA
10 Wellington Street, Room 5B-04
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H4
Entries can also be sent via e-mail to csjr-yrsc@ainc-inac.gc.ca
CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE Essay Call Letter Form as a WORD Document OR as a PDF Document
PRESS RELEASE about this special gathering:
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Veterans Journey to Battlefields of Europe
Ottawa - First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who gave their lives in wartime will be honoured during events in Europe this fall, Veterans Affairs Minister, the Honourable Albina Guarnieri announced today.
Aboriginal spiritual leaders from across Canada will conduct Calling Home Ceremonies, incorporating the customs and traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, to return the spirits of fallen warriors to their homelands and put them to rest with their ancestors in Canada.
Twenty Aboriginal Veterans of the Second World War and 13 Aboriginal youth, representing every region of Canada, will accompany the Spiritual Leaders and will visit a number of commemorative sites related to the First and Second World Wars, including Ypres, Vimy Ridge, and Juno Beach in Normandy. Visits to Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries will offer an opportunity for the delegation to pay their respects to the fallen. In addition, an Inukshuk will be constructed and placed at an appropriate overseas location to serve as a permanent reminder of the contribution of Canada’s First Peoples in service to their country.