The Battle of Vimy Ridge by Richard Jack (Source: Canadian War
Museum)
During the First World War, the Battle of Vimy Ridge became a major event that got Canada recognized as a country that can hold its own. This recognition came at a great cost to the Canadian people. Métis soldiers were among those gave their lives in this conflict.
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Veterans’ Council has redirected its plans for the 2017 Vimy Ridge Project. Métis veterans and youth will attend a Vimy Ridge remembrance service taking place in Ottawa to mark the 100th anniversary of this important historical event.
The event in Ottawa is estimated to last about 4 or 5 days, taking in much of the Vimy Ridge and First World War history, as well as participating and attending many of the events that will be occurring at that time.
Originally, the plan involved travelling to the commemorative ceremony taking place in Vimy, France. The current political circumstance in France and Belgium have deterred many people from applying for the previously planned event on Vimy Ridge in France, which has prevented the MNO Veterans’ Council from being able to have the minimum required number of attendees for the tour guide organizer, as stipulated by their contract.
Nevertheless, the MNO Veterans’ Council is determined to present an opportunity for Métis youth to learn what was fought and paid for with their ancestors’ blood and will instead plan to attend the event in Ottawa.
All past and future donations and fundraising will now be dedicated to meet this goal. The MNO Veterans’ Council’s GoFundMe page has been updated and continues to accept donations.
If you would like to attend and participate in this memorable event, please email the MNO Veterans’ Council at mnovc@rogers.com to get your pre-registration form.
For those that have already registered for the previous Vimy Ridge Pilgrimage, the council will keep your registration on file and apply it to the Ottawa trip.
If you would like to volunteer on any of the committees of this event, please send an e-mail to mnovc@rogers.com with your contact information: name, address, phone number and email address.
Published on: March 3, 2016