June 1989 - Volume 1 No. 2

A look at our veterans...

Ted Morriseau

The face in the photo to the right is probably familiar to anyone in our area. You have all seen him, I'm sure. The last few years this man has constantly been traveling from one gathering to another, mostly as an advisor and elder but sometimes as a student and one seeking knowledge from his esteemed peers. But let me introduce you to a man you have seen or heard at workshops, meetings and gatherings.

Ted Morriseau was born in 1925 at Sandy Point, the oldest of seven children. With his family he later moved to McIntyre Bay and made that community their home for a time. Ted eventually settled in MacDiarmid. His father, who was once the band's chief, passed away when Ted was just fifteen, which left him the responsibility of providing for his younger siblings. At this time Ted had already been working for two years, so he was no stranger to doing a man's job. During that period of his life Ted worked as a forest ranger in the district around MacDiarmid. After the war broke out, there was a lot of talk about enlisting among Ted's co-workers as the boys from his community. Ted was no different from the other young men and he enlisted too.

At the age of eighteen, Ted found himself in the middle of a very rigorous army training program for the men who were on their way overseas. For Ted this was a year-long ordeal of long hours and hard work. Learning all that the army expected him to learn and the demands of the physical training routine filled that year of Ted's life. Ted later became a Reconnaissance Patrol Section Leader with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. Although he went through the training, went on to England, then fought in France and Germany, Ted feels he never really experienced culture shock. This may stem from his early career beginnings, and having to cope with whatever came his way on the job.

After returning home, Ted found that he could still not vote in the country he had fought for or even enjoy a cold drink in the beverage parlour. The system had not changed much while he was overseas. Ignoring the lack of change, Ted once again adapted and began what would turn out to be a 22-year career with the M.N.R.

Over the years after he left the MNR, Ted has been involved in numerous issues of Native peoples' concern. He has traveled most of our great country, attending gatherings & meetings, researching, offering support to many worthy causes, teaching and helping where he can. With all Ted's travels and busy schedule, he always seems to find the time to visit his home community. You may find him there from time to time, sharing a cup of tea and conversation with some of his neighbours back in MacDiarmid.

Ted is an important part of our organization. He is a member of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Membership Committee. He is often called upon for his sage counsel at meetings and in our office. He constantly contributes to the newsletter with information gathered in his travels and through the people he is in contact with.

Ted is often asked to offer advice to the Native youth and he does so, willingly. Today his words for our readers are:

"Be Canadian-Minded. Never involve yourself in things that could hurt your Country."