Canada Loses Another World War II Veteran
Monday, 11 January 2010 00:00
(Saskatoon, SK) FSIN Vice Chief E. Dutch Lerat is saddened by the passing of World War II Veteran, Josephine Greyeyes, of the Muskeg Lake First Nation, on Saturday January 9, 2010. Ms. Greyeyes enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, at the age of 21, on March 31, 1943. She served until 1946 at various locations across Canada. During the course of her 3 year service, Ms. Greyeyes was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal.
“On behalf of Veterans, Saskatchewan’s Chiefs, the FSIN Executive and Senate, I want to extend condolences to the family of Josephine Greyeyes and the community of Muskeg Lake,” says Vice Chief Lerat. “Ms. Greyeyes served her country well in a time when Canada needed every able person for its war efforts.”
The Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) was created on August 13, 1941, due to a shortage of personnel with the increase in the size of Canada's navy, army and air force. The organization was called the Canadian Women's Auxiliary Corps and was not an official part of the armed forces. On March 13, 1942 the women were inducted into the Canadian Army and became the Canadian Women's Army Corps.
The passing of Ms. Greyeyes brings the number of First Nation World War II veterans, who are members of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association, down to four. Wake services will be held Monday January 11, 2010 beginning at 7 pm. at the Muskeg Lake Band Hall. Funeral services will be held for Ms. Greyeyes on Tuesday at the same location, January 12, 2010, beginning at 2:00 pm.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
For More Information Please Contact:
Mervin Brass, Executive Director of Communications
Direct: 306.956-1026
Cellular: 306.220-7187
Facsimile: 306.665.0115