Across Canada, November is when we pay tribute to those that served Canada as members of the Canadian Armed Forces. On Remembrance Day we honour those who paid the highest cost in times of conflict on November 11 at 1100.
We also remember our Veterans from November 5-11 and honour the sacrifices of all those who have served our country in times of war, military conflict, and peace. For over 150 years Canada’s diverse population of Veterans have served in many operations, from the battlefields around the world to disaster response efforts here at home. Veteran’s Week started as a simple poster put out by the Canadian government starting in 1982. The first one was L.C.A.s off Southern France, 1944. Alex Colville, 1944. Oil on Linen. This poster was sent around the country to schools, Royal Canadian Legions, and public spaces. The poster is created annually. By 1995, the poster was celebrating Veteran’s Week from November 5-11. Teaching resources for Veteran’s Week have been developed by Veteran’s Affairs and are available for free. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/veterans-week/learning-resources/ Veteran’s Week has become part of the tradition of Remembrance in Canada. The museum has many excellent exhibits dedicated to sharing the stories of our veterans.
Veteran’s Week Poster 1999
November 8 marks Indigenous Remembrance Day. Started in 1994 in Winnipeg as Aboriginal Veteran’s Day, Indigenous Veteran’s Day nationally celebrated In Canada. The First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nations of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country.
One of the most secret aspects of Indigenous service were Code Talkers. The US Air Force requested Canadian Indigenous Soldiers be transferred to the US Air Force to work on secret communications. Upon arrival in England, those Indigenous soldiers well versed in their native language became Code Talkers.
US Army Air Corp Request 1942
One of these indigenous soldiers was Charles Tomkins. Having first trained with the Canadian Army, Charles was assigned to the US 8th Air Force and the 9th Bomber Command in England. Together with about five other Cree-speaking men from neighbouring areas, Charles began his role as a code talker.
List of potential Cree Code Talkers
Charles Tomkins saw action in France, Holland and Germany. He remained in the Canadian Armed Forces for another 25 years. Much of his story only came to light 2 months before he died at the age of 85, when he was interviewed by the Smithsonian about his experience.
To all of our veterans, thank you for your service.
Have you played Improbable Escapes at the MCEM?
We have two amazing games for you to choose from!
Contact us at 613-541-4675 to arrange for a game!
Written By: Karen Young, Museum Manager