Metis War Monument Planned For Juno Beach

Metis War Monument Planned For Juno Beach

Monday, June 08, 2009 at 13:45

Visitors to the site of Canada’s most decisive victory in the Second World War, the storming of the beaches of Normandy, will soon learn about the contributions of Metis people to that war effort.

A monument to Metis veterans who fought during the two World Wars — including the D-Day victory on June 6, 1944 — will be unveiled this November at Juno Beach, in Normandy, France.

The announcement was made this past weekend, during celebrations for the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation and the Metis National Council’s Minister for Veteran Affairs, described the monument as “a long overdue acknowledgement” of the brave efforts of Metis soldiers, sailors and aircrew.

The monument will include both a history of the Metis Nation in Canada, and a Red River cart, which is a widely-recognized Metis symbol.

The cart is currently under construction, and will travel to France for Remembrance Day celebrations in November. Metis veterans and youth will be on hand for the unveiling.