1st Session, 43rd Legislature

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Bill 223

THE INDIGENOUS VETERANS DAY ACT (COMMEMORATION OF DAYS, WEEKS AND MONTHS ACT AMENDED)

(Assented to                                         )

HIS MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:

C.C.S.M. c. C150.5 amended

1   The Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act is amended by this Act.

2   The following is added after Schedule 37:

SCHEDULE 37.1
INDIGENOUS VETERANS DAY

WHEREAS Manitobans from First Nation, Inuit and Red River Métis communities have served in the Canadian Armed Forces, including those who sacrificed their lives in defence of freedom and peace;

AND WHEREAS some Indigenous veterans volunteered to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces at a time when they were denied fundamental rights, including the right to vote;

AND WHEREAS some Indigenous veterans experienced systemic discrimination and unfair treatment during their military service, and Indigenous veterans returning from World War I and II were denied the benefits and recognition that other veterans received;

AND WHEREAS Indigenous members of the Canadian Armed Forces have displayed tremendous skill, valour and courage, including Sergeant Tommy Prince of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, who received numerous awards for his bravery in World War II and the Korean War and who is widely considered to be Canada's most decorated Indigenous soldier;

AND WHEREAS Indigenous people continue to serve in all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces, defending Canada's interests around the globe, protecting Canadian sovereignty and responding to natural disasters at home;

AND WHEREAS Indigenous Veterans Day will provide an opportunity to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans and the significant obstacles and prejudices they had to endure and overcome;

THEREFORE the following is proclaimed throughout Manitoba:

Indigenous Veterans Day

1   In each year, November 8 is to be known as Indigenous Veterans Day.

Coming into force

3   This Act comes into force on the day it receives royal assent.