Following the march and wreath ceremony, the Native Veterans re-grouped at the Ramada Inn and were joined by local newsworthies. Willy John completed the round of speeches by talking about how the Native Veterans Association of Northwestern Ontario began, what it was set up to do, and how it was going to do them.

"I was driving taxi," Willy John said, "when I got a call to pick up a woman. When I got to the address, she was standing by the curb armed with a vacuum cleaner. I helped put it into the cab and this nice lady and I got to talking and she asked me what I wanted to do. I told her and she said, well, why don't we do it. From there she helped me set it up...I want to give special thanks to Lynn Sharman."

Those who know Willy John know that he had dreamed for many moons of an organization to be started that would help Native people who had been active an/or done peacetime service. The march and luncheon were followed Saturday, November 12, by the founding meeting of the Native Veterans Association of Northwestern Ontario. Elections were held, a constitution adopted, and the future directions set by prioritizing several projects.

A major project to be started immediately is the research and publication of a history of Native involvement in military service. Funding for the undertaking will be sought, while initial data to begin the archival base is already being collected. Travelling with his tape recorder close to his chest and batteries loaded, Willy began the information retrieval between meeting sessions.

Other future projects include fund-raising for a Native monument, which will serve to evoke active remembrance of the contributions that Native people have been continuously making to maintain peace.

It is not surprising that the group acclaimed Willy John as President. Other elected officials include Vern Ruttan, First Vice-President; Ortan Asham, Second Vice-President; Eugene Michon, Treasurer. Lynn Sharman was elected as Board Secretary, however, she declined the title, but not the work, and suggested Lawrence Martin Sr. be Secretary.

Board members-at-large come from various parts of Northwestern Ontario and bring the Board total to nine directors. In recognition of women's' role in active and peacetime service, a special category was created and Women's Representative elected unanimously from the floor.

Three additional positions were created to fulfill special needs of the organization. A legal advocate was selected to assist in cutting through bureaucratic tape for members in need of services. A public relations coordinator was designated and will oversee information flow to the general public. The third special position is Reunion Chairperson, to insure that future generations will take place.

Public education is necessary for Canadian Society to understand the overwhelming and meritorious contributions of these first Canadians....so that each Shimaginish (soldier) will not be forgotten.