Wotstak First Nation marks National Indigenous Remembrance

by | Nov 11, 2024

Community pays tribute to veterans with seventh annual service

Wotstak First Nation leaders, elders, community members and representatives from neighbouring communities and organizations gathered along the shores of the Wolastoq on Nov. 8 to pay tribute to those who served in uniform. 

Chief/Sakum Tim Paul, First Nation elders, and event organizers welcomed Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones, Woodstock-Carleton MLA Bill Hogan, Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon, area police officers and representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion and ANAVETs to the sombre ceremony along the grounds of the community’s war monument.

Chief/Sakum Tim Paul speaks during National Indigenous Remembrance ceremonies at Wotstak First Nation. (Tammey Mclean photo)

Following the Remembrance ceremony, residents and guests gathered for a meal and social interaction at the community hall. 

Wotstak First Nation Vietnam War veteran Roger Polchies accepted the Quilt of Valor courtesy of the Quilts of Valor Foundation of Maine. 

Vietnam veteran Roger Polchies accepts the Quilt of Valor made by Christine Corey of Houlton, Maine. (Tammey Mclean photo)

The foundation’s mission “is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”

Poliches served in the United States Army 27th Infantry Wolfhounds in Vietnam between 1966 and 1969. 

Christine Corey of Houlton, Maine, made and presented the quilt. 

The Wotstak First Nation held its seventh annual National Indigenous Remembrance Service on Nov. 8. (Tammey Mclean photo)
Wotstak First Nation Elder Carole Polchies delivers the blessing. (Tammey McLean photo)
Veteran Ken Sercerchi rests before the Wotstak First Nation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 8. (Tammey Mclean photo)

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