Beyond words, to actions: 17 Wing hosts Indigenous reconciliation gathering

CFB Winnipeg focused on Indigenous reconciliation during a weekend event on the base.

A gathering aiming to “move beyond words and move to actions” took place at Winnipeg’s military base on Saturday.

Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg hosted its first-ever Indigenous Reconciliation Gathering, in partnership with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Manitoba Inuit Association.

With more than 200 volunteers’ efforts, live performances such as music and drumming, Indigenous vendors and community organizations, and the Forces’ displays were present – bridging the military and Indigenous communities.

Lt.-Col. Joshua Van Tine, deputy wing commander of 17 Wing, said the event aimed to bring reconciliation into action.

“We’re hoping that our military will have those opportunities where they say ‘oh, I didn’t know that before, I get it now,’” he said on Saturday.

“I think that’s what we’re really trying to do – bridging cultures between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”

One example Van Tine used was the Eagle Staff.

“That’s something we don’t see that frequently, but for our military – we treat that the same as consecrated colours, which our military understands very well.”

Several Indigenous members and veterans of the Canadian Forces were in attendance – something Justin Woodcock, SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program Manager, described as “really meaningful.”

“This event really brings together two big pieces of their identity – their military service and their First Nation background. I couldn’t be more grateful to have the partnership with 17 Wing to put on an event like this,” he said.

Sitting down with people, connecting with them and hearing their stories, he added, is an important opportunity for reconciliation – and the event offered a unique one, bridging between the Indigenous veterans and currently serving.

“I think it’s really impactful. I think it makes more effective soldiers, sailors and airmen.”

He commended the 17 Wing’s effort for reconciliation.

“I served nearly a decade in the Canadian Armed Forces and I would have loved to have a sweat lodge on the base I served.

“And here’s 17 Wing – they have that, they’re leading the charge on supporting Indigenous culture for currently serving folks and veterans.”

Lt.-Col. Van Tine said the event was initially planned for 2025, with planning starting back in 2024. With wildfires forcing evacuations among First Nations, however, the wing had to postpone the event.

“It was deemed that it would be really inappropriate for us to host the event while we were doing those evacuations.”

READ MORE: CAF helping evacuate Garden Hill First Nation in Manitoba due to wildfires

The unit picked up the plan again in January, he added, and worked hard to bring the event to fruition.

“I give full credit to all of our 200 volunteers that have come to put this together from all of our partners and from the Department of National Defence.”

Van Tine emphasized that the unit takes the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action “very seriously,” and that the event aimed to address Call to Action 57, which calls for educating public servants on the history of Indigenous people.

“We’re hoping that people will see that we are serious about it and we’re committed. A large portion of, I think what we believe, is that you show commitment through actions – not just words.”

With files from CTV News’ Zachary Kitchen