This weekend, November 8th is National Aboriginal Veterans Day, and Calgary Salutes, alongside The Confluence, is hosting a series of lectures on Sunday. The event commemorates the Indigenous veterans sacrifices, as well as the historical injustices that faced serving Indigenous members, both before and after their military service.
There will be two keynote speakers for you to take in. Jerry Potts, a member of the Piikani Nation, and is a ceremonial Elder for Thunder Medicine Pipes, Brave Dogs and Horn Society.
Afterwards, Earl Robert “Bob” Crane will speak. He is a member of Siksika Nation, and is a retired Canadian Armed Forces Major, and served from 1970, to 2003. He has operated in the High Arctic, in the United States, Iran and Iraq, and included the Gulf War.
Bob has also undertaken civilian assignments in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Haiti. He spends time supporting other Indigenous veterans, as well as mentoring Indigenous people entering the military.
We got to speak with Scott Grant of Calgary Salutes, and asked about the significance of hosting the talks at The Confluence.
We asked for some more details on the event, and how Calgary Salutes chose their keynote speakers.
CJWE also got to speak with Bob Crane, and asked him about the importance of educating todays youth on the sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans.
We asked Bob about his experience with the Canadian Armed Forces.
The talks will be taking place at The Confluence, Sunday November 8th, starting at 12:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, however interested attendees are asked to register by clicking here.
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