National Chief Expresses sorrow at the passing of Tom Eagle

OTTAWA , Oct. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - 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.

For further information: [email protected], Robert Simpson, [phone]; Chantelle Krish, [phone]