During the Year of the Veteran, Aboriginal Spiritual Elders, Veterans and youth will participate in an Aboriginal Spiritual Journey to Europe. A spiritual ceremony to call home the spirits of fallen warriors will be held. While there, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans and youth will visit European battlefields and cemeteries.

The spiritual journey is expected to be a source of healing and closure for Aboriginal Veterans and their families, and will provide an opportunity for Veterans to pay final respects to their fallen comrades. It will also serve to educate Canada's youth, Canadians and Europeans about the proud tradition of service and sacrifice by Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Métis warriors.

This journey was initiated by Aboriginal veterans' organizations and the Assembly of First Nations, and is being undertaken with the support of the Government of Canada, through Veterans Affairs Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Upon return from Europe, spiritual ceremonies to receive the spirits of fallen warriors will be held in Aboriginal communities throughout Canada. All Canadians are encouraged to participate and learn more about the contributions and sacrifice of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans.

For more information, visit the VAC Web site regularly for updates or call toll-free 1-800-443-0394.