Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Friday, August 10, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - A Yellowknife war veteran was awarded one of the first commendations handed out by the minister of Veterans for his work lobbying for aboriginal veterans.

Veteran Tom Eagle received a commendation for his work advocating for aboriginal veteran rights. Eagle says there is more work to be done, showing the certificate of enfranchisement he received after losing his treaty rights to receive veteran compensations.

Tom Eagle, who retired from the military in 1971 after a 25-year career, received the commendation in a ceremony in Richmond, B.C., July 27. Eagle was among 18 other recipients.

Eagle said that while he appreciates the recognition, his work isn't done promoting the rights of aboriginal veterans. He said he feels so strongly about it that he almost didn't accept the commendation.

"I thought I do a lot of work, I'm very outspoken on issues," said Eagle. "I thought maybe they were trying to quiet me down."

Eagle said during his service, a separate Indian agent negotiated aboriginal veteran policies with Indian and Northern Affairs, leading to unequal treatment between aboriginal and non-aboriginal veterans.

According to debates in the House of Commons, land grants were available to veterans after the Second World War. First Nations received $2,300, while non-aboriginals were offered $6,000.

"We didn't get the equal treatment we should have received," said Eagle. "We should have received the same treatment as any other veteran."

As a result of the negotiations, Eagle lost his treaty rights in order to receive full veteran benefits.

"Here's what I got for serving my country," said Eagle, showing his certificate of enfranchisement.

Although there's lots of work left for Eagle, after speaking with other veterans he decided to accept the commendation in recognition of the work he's already accomplished in advocating for veteran rights.

Eagle is the chairman of the NWT/Nunavut Aboriginal Veterans Association, and president of the NWT/Nunavut branch of the Army Cadet League of Canada. He is also a past chairman and a member of the First Nations Veterans Association of Canada.

"I imagine Mr. Eagle will be a busy man until the day he dies," said Janice Summerby, a spokesperson for Veterans Affairs Canada.

Summerby travelled with Eagle in 2005 on the Aboriginal Spiritual Journey, where an aboriginal delegation including spiritual leaders, musicians and performers travelled overseas to Europe to visit graves of fallen aboriginal soldiers to invite the spirits to travel back home.

Summerby said that Eagle was an integral part of organizing the journey.