Tom Eagle: 1932-2009

NEWS RELEASES

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS

ANISHINABEK NATION

**************************** National Chief expresses sorrow at the passing of Tom Eagle

OTTAWA - (October 1) - National Chief Shawn Atleo expressed sorrow at the passing of Tom Eagle, who was an honoured Sergeant in the Canadian Army, and an activist for the rights of First Nations veterans.

"Tom was, personally, a modest man, but he was fiercely proud of the contributions First Nations veterans made to Canada, and advocated strongly for equitable benefits for First Nations soldiers," said National Chief Shawn Atleo. "He will be remembered for his commitment to Canada and his pursuit of equality and justice for his people."

Mr. Tom Eagle was a member of the Tootinaowaziibeeng (Valley River) Ojibway First Nation in Manitoba. He joined the Canadian Army in 1951 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1975.

Mr. Eagle had two tours of military duty in West Germany and served with the United Nations Peace Keeping force in Cyprus. After 25 years of military service, he retired in 1971 and settled in Yellowknife, NWT.

His awards and honors include the Canadian Forces Decoration, Queens' Jubilee Medal, Citation from the Government of Canada for his contribution to community work and the Veteran's Affairs Commendation.

Mr. Eagle was involved in the socio-economic and political development of the Dene in Canada, particularly in the province of Manitoba and the Northwest Territories since 1960.

He was also the national chairman of the First Nations Veterans of Canada, and recently worked on the Veterans Affairs file for the Assembly of First Nations.

**************************** Anishinabek mourn passing of Warrior Tom Eagle

Anishinabek Nation leaders are paying tribute to Tom Eagle, an Ojibway from Manitoba who served as national chairman of the First Nations Veterans of Canada before passing into the Spirit World this week.

"I met him many times and had great talks with him," said Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.

Tom worked for years with the late Anishinabek Nation Elder Ray Rogers to try and achieve recognition and fair treatment for the First Nations warriors who put their lives on the line for Canada in foreign wars.

"We will not soon see their like again."

Tom Eagle was a member of the Tootinaowaziibeeng (Valley River) Ojibway First Nation in Manitoba.

He joined the Canadian Army in 1951 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant after a 25-year career that included two tours of military duty in West Germany and serving with the United Nations peace-keeping force in Cyprus.

He settled in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

His awards and honours include the Canadian Forces Decoration, Queens' Jubilee Medal, Citation from the Government of Canada for his contribution to community work and the Veterans' Affairs Commendation.

Tom served as chair of the NWT/Nunavut Aboriginal Veterans Association, National Chairman of the First Nations Veterans of Canada, and recently worked on the Veterans Affairs file for the Assembly of First Nations.

He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Over 7,000 First Nations and Aboriginal men and women wore Canadian military uniforms in the two world wars of the 20th Century, and over 500 of them lost their lives in the line of duty.

First Nations veterans formed their own organizations after they did not receive the same services and benefits as other Canadian veterans.

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949.

The UOI is a political advocate for 41 member First Nations across Ontario.

The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

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