Métis National Council Return to Juno NOVEMBER 2009 :: Métis Nation Delegation, Juno Beach, Normandy, France :: “This memorial is a reminder of the debt we all owe to those Métis who fought, were wounded or died protecting world freedom, giving us and future generations the means to strive for a prosperous and strong Métis Nation.” – Clément Chartier Métis National Council President 2 Robert Bruce Howard Donn Fowler Dickenson Edmond Gagne Joseph Gagnon Francis Godon Leo Goulet Ronald Charlie Monkman St. Germaine 1 NOVEMBER 11TH,2009 :: COURSEULLES-SUR-MER, FRANCE Métis NationVeterans Memorial unveiled at Juno Beach Centre memorial to the thousands of IndianAffairs and Northern Development freedom,giving us and future generations Métis Nation citizens who served and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and the means to strive for a prosperous and in theWorldWars was dedicated at Non-Status Indians for the dedication strong Métis Nation.” the Juno Beach Centre in ceremony. The memorial features a Red River Courseulles-sur-Mer,France on “On behalf of all Métis,I express my joy Cart,one of the most recognized symbols ANovember 11,2009.A delegation and pride in being here today to of the Métis Nation.It also includes of Métis Nation veterans,youth and commemorate and celebrate the service artifacts from Métis culture and history, dignitaries joined Clement Chartier, and sacrifice of the Métis Nation’s greatest and exhibits highlighting the contri- President of the Metis National Council heroes;our veterans of the world wars,” butions of Métis soldiers,sailors and (MNC),David Chartrand,President of the said President Clement Chartier.“This aircrew during the World Wars and in the Manitoba Métis Federation and MNC memorial is a reminder of the debt we all Canadian landing at Juno Beach as part of Minister forVeterans Affairs,and the owe to those Métis who fought,were the 1945 liberation of Europe. Honourable Chuck Strahl,Minister of wounded or died protecting world “It is an honour to be participating in 2 this special moment on this truly historic MétisWorldWar II veterans in attendance be a constant reminder of how we must battleground,”said the Honourable Chuck with special awards in recognition of their continue working to ensure all Métis Strahl,Minister of IndianAffairs and service to the Métis Nation and Canada. Nation veterans get the acknowledgment Northern Development and Federal The ceremony also included a and benefits they deserve.” Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status performance by renowned Métis dance President Chartier thanked Minister Indians.“The Red River Cart is a symbol troupe,the St.AmbroiseYouth Steppers, Strahl,the Office of the Federal that highlights the strength and determi- who were part of the youth delegation. Interlocutor andVeterans Affairs Canada nation of the Métis servicemen and “The memorial will help our youth and for their support in making the memorial women,some of whom I have the all future generations of Métis Nation possible and providing resources for Métis privilege of standing with today,and to all citizens honour the bravery and Nation veterans to attend the ceremony. of whom Canada is truly grateful.” selflessness of our veterans,”said David He also thanked the Juno Beach Centre for To commemorate the memorial exhibit Chartrand,MMF President and MNC their assistance in developing the exhibits unveiling,President Chartier presented Minister forVeterans Affairs.“It will now and hosting the dedication ceremony. Donn Fowler, Joseph Gagnon, Howard Dickenson, Ronald Monkman, Edmond Gagne,Robert Bruce and Francis Godon. 3 The SecondWorldWar BY NAOMI GORDON,courtesy of the Metis Nation of Alberta he SecondWorldWar began on September 1st,1939 with the invasion of Poland by German forces.In swift reaction Britain,France,Australia,and New Zealand declared war against Germany on September T 3rd.A proclamation by King GeorgeVI came on September 10,announcing Canada’s declaration of war. On the Canadian front,defences along units followed successively.By December Canadian Corps.) the coastal shores were strengthened.Troop the entire 2nd Canadian Division had The year 1941 saw the war spread mobilization of existing units began and by reached the shores of England. throughout the Pacific and NorthAfrica.In the end of September 58,337 new In France the situation was dire as the summer the 3rd Canadian Division volunteers had enlisted in the Canadian German forces moved hastily in attack.The landed in England.On the Eastern front in Armed Forces.In December the 1st fall of France came shortly after Italy Europe,by surprise attack Germany invaded Canadian Division was dispatched to attacked along the Mediterranean coastlines. Russia on June 22,1941.The fierceness and England and by February the strength of France surrendered on June 22,1940. scale of this battle was colossal.German personnel in England numbered 23,304. On July 24,the 7th Corps comprised of forces numbered 3 million strong On theWestern front,after the fall of the 1st Canadian Division and the 1st employing violent efficiency advancing Poland an eerie lull set in from October BritishArmoured Division was formed and German troops to Moscow and Leningrad 1939 toApril 1940.This period became began preparing for the defence of Britain. by winter.Russian troops fought hard, known as the“The PhonyWar.”Both Allied The first phase of Hitler’s Sea Lion stalling the advancement of the enemy in and enemy forces took advantage by Operation – the invasion of Britain- was December. preparing troops and fortifying defence launched onAugust 12,1940.The German On December 7,1941 Japan attacked lines.This quiet period broke onApril 9, Air Force (Luftwaffe) unleashed a bombing Pearl Harbor,in swift reaction America 1940 as German armies overran the neutral campaign that targeted radar stations and joined theAllied powers declaring war on states of Denmark and Norway.One month airfields,later switching to mass bombing Japan and Italy.The war further flared in the later,onApril 10 German armies launched raids on London.As the Luftwaffe was Pacific led by Japan who attacked Hong assaults on Holland and Belgium.With unable to gain air superiority Hitler indefi- Kong,Philippines,Northern Malaysia and brutal efficiency the German army cut nitely delayed Operation Sea Lion.Outside Guam.The first Canadian troops to see through Dutch defences within days and of the European campaign Mussolini turned battle would occur in Hong Kong. continued their assault through to Belgium attention to North Africa,striking In the European campaign,the Canadian reaching the Channel coast by May 21.On Somaliland in late summer and invading troops saw first battle during the Dieppe June 10,Norway surrendered.That same Egypt in September.Japan sided with the Raid inAugust 1942.InApril,the day Italy declared war on Britain and axis alliance on September 27 joining Combined Operations headquarters began France.The surge of German forces into Germany and Italy against the allied drafting plans for an attack on Dieppe.The France led to the mass evacuation of allied powers.Mussolini continued his attacks, intention of the raid was two-fold.The troops,which was carried out during the invading Greece in October. first to secure a port along the end of May at Dunkirk. As Britain no longer feared invasion and French coastline and secondly With the advancement of enemy forces the 2nd Canadian Division was in its to test new machinery, through the Low Countries,Canada entirety,the 7th Corps was disbanded in weaponry,and techniques deployed the first unit of the 2nd Canadian December of 1940.The Canadians formed that would be used for the Division to England in late May.Other the Canadian Corps (later called the 1st future large-scale Allied 4 invasion along the coast.The plan called for Grammichele.The Division moved on to of Italy crossing the central mountain range a joint British and Canadian front.The 2nd take Caltagirone and met combat on to Catanzaro and forward to Castrovillari.A Division was chosen for the attack. September 17th at Piazza Armerina.To Canadian brigade was used in a Special Intensive combined training and battle dress impede Allied advancement enemy forces Forces unit that captured Potenza on rehearsal was done on the Isle ofWight.The bombed bridges and roadways causing September 20.Allied forces held a line that plan entailed five different attack points.On Allied troops to continue the advance by ran from coast to coast having liberated August 18 troops departed from foot.The 1stArmoured Brigade moved to much of the southern region.The push into Portsmouth and Southampton.Early in the captureAssoro while the 1st Infantry Motta saw 1st Divisions battle with German morning ofAugust 19,troops attacked their Division took Leonforte.German units in forces,their first battle in Italy.A succession designated landing position.Awaiting the both towns offered Canadians a bitter of bitter battles continuedas troops moved Allies was German small arm and artillery battle.Orders were given to continue into to captureVoiturara,Vinchiaturo, and fire.The losses were tragic.Of the original the town ofAgira,Canadians again met Campobasso. 4,963 Canadian soldiers that departed for violent fighting and suffered heavy losses, By NovemberAllied forces had neared Dieppe only 2,210 returned.There were but forced the enemy back.The 3rd the German line.Once this line had been 1,946 prisoners of war and 907 Canadians Canadian Brigade captured Catenanuova on pierced the FifthArmy was able to advance died. July 29 through difficult battle.Some units to Rome.Canadian and British Divisions of the Division took part in the assault on moved along theAdriatic Coast fighting SICILY & ITALY Regualbuto from July 30 toAugust 3. fiercely along the Sangro before entering Canadian troops were put on leave on north to the Moro River.Some of Canada’s The next phase of the war for Canada August 6 before readying to cross the most severe and costly battles took place in involved the invasion of Sicily and Italy.The Messina Straight,onwards to Italy.