In conversation with Indigenous veteran Devin Beaudry

Share in the experience of a long-serving member of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Friday, November 10, 2023

This event has passed.

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Event details

Cost:
Free
Location:
Canadian Journeys gallery, Level 2, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Language and Accessibility:
This program will be presented primarily in English with ASL interpretation.

What was it like to be an Indigenous person in the Canadian Armed Forces two, three, even four decades ago? Here’s your chance to ask someone who knows.

Devin Beaudry, an Indigenous Veteran, joined up in 1978 and spent 35 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Over those years he saw a lot of change – and sometimes he instigated the change, like when he brought a sweat lodge onto the base in Winnipeg.

Devin will share his experiences during informal conversations in the Canadian Journeys gallery on Level 2. During approximately 40‐minute sessions beginning at 7:00 p.m. and at 8:00 p.m., you will have the opportunity to ask questions and talk engage in conversation with Devin.

Indigenous people have served in Canada’s armed forces during times of war, conflict and peace for over two centuries, yet their contributions have often been overlooked. National Indigenous Veterans Day, commemorated on November 8 across the country, offers a chance to recognize the service and sacrifices made by the thousands of Indigenous military volunteers who have given so much – and sometimes their lives – in service to Canada.

Veterans and military personnel enjoy free admission from November 7–12

About Devin Beaudry

Devin Beaudry, a smiling, middle-aged man wearing a dark blue polo shirt with white piping along the collar

Devin Beaudry, a member of the Red River Métis community in Manitoba, joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1978. After completing basic military training at the recruit school at CFB Cornwallis in Nova Scotia and trades training for Medical Assistant at CFB Borden in Ontario, he was posted to CFB Comox in BC, then went to Ottawa to work at the National Defence Medical Centre. During his service, he trained as an Aeromedical Technician, work he did for 31 years across multiple postings throughout Canada. He retired with the rank of Sergeant on January 15, 2013 – 35 years to the day he had joined. He subsequently studied at the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba and became a Registered Massage Therapist in 2015, a career he says is just as rewarding as his military career.

Change or cancellation

Please note that this program is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

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