Volume 22 www.legionnl.com 7 Newfoundland Labrador Command The Aboriginal Veteran Millennium Medal was created in 2000 to commemorate those Aboriginals who risked their lives and sacrificed so much in the fight for freedom and democracy. Eligibility The medal is awarded to Aboriginal veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, the Merchant Navy and those who joined the US Forces either in peacetime or wartime, who served prior to the year 2000 and to Aboriginal members who were serving in the year 2000. This medal may be awarded posthumously. Description The medal is circular made of copper and zinc alloy with eagle wings outstretched over the thin raised edge: On the obverse appears the Eagle, with wings outstretched over the edge of the coin, holding an Eagle Staff and a spear crossed, in its claws. Below the eagle in a semi-circle, an effigy of four heads facing away from the centre of the coin surrounded by the inscription "Canadian Aboriginal War Veterans". On the reverse the inscription, "COMMEMORATING ABORIGINAL VETERANS CONTRIBUTION TO CANADA IN THE 3RD MILLENNIUM" The ribbon is with the four colours: red, blue, green and yellow. Red is for the sun and for the fire, whose energy gives warmth and creates growth. Blue is for the water that quenches the thirst of man and all the creatures of the earth. Green is for the vegetation that gives nourishment to all living creatures. Yellow represents the air, the breath of life that all creatures need for survival. Wearing The medal should be worn on the right side with the red stripe on the ribbon to the inside. (closest to the heart) The medal may be worn by Canadian Forces personnel who have received the award IAW Canadian Forces Dress Regulations, Section 3, paragraph 25. Presentation of Medal The medal should be presented in a respectful manner. Some suggested presentation scenarios could include: at a Pow Wow; at a local or national celebration; at a conference or forum attended by Veterans or military members; or at a respectful gathering for the purpose of the presentation of awards. The medal should be presented by a Chief, Elder, Head Veteran, local or national politician, an officer of the Canadian Forces or a person of significance such as a Mayor, Police Chief, or other respected member of the community. Aboriginal Veteran Millennium Medal (AVMM) On Saturday November 19, 2021 District 6 commander Mark Blackmore presented Cst Curtis Hopkins with the Aboriginal Veteran Millennium Medal in Hopedale Labrador. Cst Hopkins joined the RCMP on December 4, 2000. Hopkins was born and raised in Happy Valley Goose Bay, NL and is of Inuit decent. His first post was Springdale NL from 2000-2006. He then transferred to his Hometown of Goose Bay and served from 2006-2014. From 2014-2016 Hopkins was posted to Corner Brook, NL. From 2016 - present he currently is on the Labrador Relief team proving relief to all Labrador Detachments.
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