FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – Hundreds of people made the winding trek up the mountain this morning to show honour and respect to all Canadian Soldiers with a special focus on Aboriginal Veterans
The smoking peace pipe, calling of the drums, gathering of Chiefs, good intentions and people even enticed a few Eagles to float above and watch over the services.
With poems, stories and wreaths, families and organizations showed their support of the soldiers who have and are putting their lives on the line for our country and others freedom
“To support a soldier does not mean you support war, it simply means you support that person, their families and their intentions to help and serve”
The service was followed by a hot luncheon provided by FWFN at the Community Center with Students of KIHS serving and helping out.
The Mt McKay service was started in 1995 by WWII Veteran Pte Frank Banning of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment and FWFN Member as a way to honour and shine light on Aboriginal Veterans who until then were not recognized at Memorials. Since his passing in 2010, his family has taken on the tradition and duty wholeheartedly.
Daughter Cathy Banning has taken on role of main organizer with Granddaughter Kateri Skaarup waiting in the wings.
“My Grandfather had 11 kids and around 80 grand kids (including great-great-great grandchildren)
Between us and the wonderful members of FWFN we have tons of help and support- we will continue this service of honour as long as this mountain is here-”
Kateri Banning-Skaarup
COO Skaarup Construction, FWFN Member
