Introduction
On June 21, 2003, the Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation held a dedication ceremony to unveil and introduce the Veterans Monument, which is proudly located at the entrance to the community. The monument was designed and crafted by local artist Bruce Bressette, whose father is a World War II veteran.
Mounted on a full scale turtle which represents Turtle Island, home of the Anishinabek, the monument gives honor and respect to the many community members who volunteered during times of war and the many who continue to serve today.
Created in a circle, which symbolizes unity and the cycles of life, each direction carries a color of the races of the world in an expression of peace and harmony. Facing each direction, the statues represent the men and women who have stood up for freedom since the War of 1812.
East Statue
The East is the direction of the Yellow Race. From the East also, comes life, which is represented by the Women, who symbolize the carriers of life. The Woman in Service is holding an Eagle Feather and greets the Sun each day as it rises in the East – the birth of a new day. Many of our women volunteered during times of war and times of peace. During WWI and WWII, women served many functions such as transporting servicemen, supplies, medical aids, and information. They also flowed the documents and paperwork, worked in hospitals and medical posts, issued and inventoried supplies, and performed various other functions and duties. Today, our women are able to advance through the ranks and train for any service area they wish.
South Statue
The South is the direction of the “Red” Race. Also, in the South comes renewal, courage and love, which is represented by the “great warrior Tecumseh” who fought beside the British in the War of 1812. Tecumseh, who was born in Ohio and was the son of a Shawnee chief, became the symbol of standing for freedom, as he formed a broad alliance of tribes with help from the British in Canada. Several of our ancestors are known to have fought beside Tecumseh in the War of 1812, resulting in significant ties to the great Shawnee warrior. Our community veterans from the War of 1812 to the present, have always stepped forward and volunteered with the true spirit of Tecumseh, believing in in peace and freedom. Several of our veterans made the supreme sacrifice by giving of their lives for our freedom.
West Statue
The West is the direction of the Black Race. Also, in the West is the wisdom and guidance of our ancestors. The Canadian Soldier sits in the West representing the many volunteers who served in the Canadian Armed Forces during times of war and peace, showing their true leadership qualities, commitment and dedication to their people and their community. Husbands, brothers, uncles, sons, nephews, mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, nieces – the community remembers and honors our veterans.
North Statue
The North is the direction of the “white” race. In the North also, the healing comes through the Northern Lights, through the Cedar, and through the great White Bear that comes from the North. The Statue in the North represents the U.S. Marine who is showing the pain and the horrors of the war through his expression and posture. Many of our community members have served in the U.S. Services, in the past and today.
Personnel | Veterans Memorial Monument
- A. Dave Henry – Project Manager, Veterans Monument 2003