NORTH BATTLEFORD — David Pelletier, 70, is the president of the North Battleford branch of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association and the mayor of Paynton, where he has lived for 45 years.
Pelletier served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the 1970s during peacetime. He completed basic training in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, which he described as hectic and intense. It taught him discipline, teamwork and how to look after himself and others. He often helped fellow recruits who were struggling during training.
He was later stationed at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, B.C., with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. As a squad leader, he performed night picket duty before retiring as a private with an honourable discharge.
Pelletier now works as an assistant programmer for the Bold Eagle program in Wainwright, a six-week military training program for First Nations youth. Graduates of the program can go on to join the Canadian forces.
For Pelletier, Remembrance Day is a time to honour the sacrifices of those who served. “It’s about the hardships soldiers, sailors and pilots went through,” he said. “We stepped out of our comfort zone to lay our lives down for our country, communities and families.”
He shared a story from his uncle, a Korean War veteran from Cowessess First Nation, who spoke to him only once about the trauma of taking lives in combat. After returning home, his uncle turned to traditional teachings and became an Elder in his community.
Pelletier also reflected on the discrimination faced by First Nations veterans. “During the wars, some had to give up their status to serve because it was against the law for an Indian to take up arms against a white person,” he said. “When they came back, they didn’t get the same treatment or benefits as others.”
He said some veterans in past wars lost their status and struggled to reintegrate, with many turning to alcohol to cope with trauma.
“In a nutshell, I am proud that I served my country,” Pelletier said. “I wish I could have made a career out of it. Now, as a recognized veteran, I do my best to speak for others who served.”
Pelletier and his wife, Arlene, have been together for 52 years, married for 43. They have five children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
