This cenotaph was constructed through a project with the Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community War Memorial Program. It was important to recognize the military service of Métis individuals from the Southwest of the province, especially as they did not receive a heroes welcome when they returned home
The monument will be at the centre of a Red River Cart wheel, the carts utilized by the Métis and is a long overdue recognition for those Métis warriors. Through this monument we give them the honour they deserve but did not necessarily receive upon their return.
The Lac Pelletier valley was an oasis in the centre of the dry hot prairie and had been home to as many as 300 Métis, but by the 1950s only a few remained in Lac Pelletier and surrounding area. It was a hope that the memorial would bring a sense of closure to the families of all Métis warriors and veterans, and particularly those of the men of Lac Pelletier valley.”
Many thousands of aboriginal people saw action and endured hardships in the First, Second World Wars, and the Korean War. They served with honour and distinction and it is the responsibility of Canadians to remember their contributions, both past and present.
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/southwest-booster/20130131/281479273793338
