November 9, 2009

85 year-old Charlie St. Germain from Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement traveled to Courseulles-sur-Mer, France to the Juno Beach Centre for a November 11th ceremony honouring Metis Veterans who served in the world wars. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, a massive Allied force including 14,000 young Canadians landed on the beaches of Normandy to assist France in war times struggles. Amongst those soldiers were many Metis who fought side by side with other Canadians

After nearly 70 years, Mr. St. Germain will see his brother's burial site in Italy after the Metis ceremony in Juno Beach. He will be accompanied by his son, Derrold St. Germain, Metis Settlements General Council President, Mr. Gerald Cunningham and MSGC Elected Executive Secretary, Mrs. Susan Cardinal-Lamouche.

Mr. Cunningham states, “It is a great honour and privilege to be able to accompany our Metis veteran and elder who has so graciously and courageously put his life on the line for all of us, to be part of the ceremonies at Juno Beach. In addition to travelling to Juno Beach, Mr. St. Germain will travel to Italy to close a chapter in his life by visiting his brother’s burial site and paying homage to his brother who fought in the war and who lost his life in action.”

MSGC appreciates the Metis National Council for the organization of the event and for welcoming Metis Settlement Veteran, his son and Executives to participate in this important ceremony. Mr. St. Germain will also have the opportunity to meet the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs during his visit. Mr. St. Germain’s journey will be documented in a two-part segment on Aboriginal Peoples Television Network on Metis Veterans. The first segment will be aired on November 9, 2009 and the second segment will be aired in late November.

Metis Settlements of Alberta has a population of 9000 members on a land base of 1.25 million acres. The Settlements in Alberta are the only land-based Metis in all of Canada. Gerald Cunningham, President of the Metis Settlements will be available for comments immediately following the apology.

For more information please contact:
Mr. Garry Parenteau at (613) 323-2619
Ms. Jaime Koebel (613) 290-8597