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The 180

A First Nations regiment for Canada's military

Jamie Wilson, Commissioner for the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, says an aboriginal regiment would create a great opportunity for all Canadians to learn about First Nations military history.
CBC News ·
Jamie Wilson says a First Nations regiment would help highlight Canada's military history, which includes decorated veterans like Tommy Prince (centre). (Manitoba Archives)
The 1806:54A First Nations regiment for Canada's military

History plays a big role in Canada's military regiments. New recruits study up on their background, and history and tradition inspire the dress, symbols, and traditions of a regiment. The most notable examples are various Scottish-themed regiments named Highlanders (Toronto's 48th Highlanders, for example, and Vancouver's Seaforth Highlanders), and Quebec's Van Doos (Royal 22nd Regiment). 

Manitoba Treaty Commissioner Jamie Wilson has an idea for a new regiment: a First Nations one. The member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation says Canada's aboriginal peoples have a long military history, and this would help highlight that history. Wilson points out that everyone would be welcome to join the regiment, not just First Nations soldiers. He joins Jim Brown to discuss the idea on this week's show. 

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