Province Loses Distinguished Native War Veteran

Province Loses Distinguished Native War Veteran

Monday, November 15, 2010 at 19:53

 

 

A well-known war veteran from the George Gordon First Nation has passed away.

 

Howard Anderson died on Friday at the age of 86.

 

The World War II veteran served as the grand chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veteran’s Association.

 

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations notes Anderson lobbied federal officials for years for compensation for First Nations veterans and their spouses — and as a result, the federal government finally offered $20,000 in compensation for each eligible First Nations veteran and their surviving spouse in 2002.

 

Hilliard Gardypie is a fellow veteran who knew Anderson for many years.

 

Gardypie says when he first got started in veterans affairs work, his friend was there to help him every step of the way.

 

He also accompanied Anderson on a trip to Europe to reclaim the spirits of fallen warriors.

 

Gardypie says he will be travelling to the Gordon reserve tomorrow for Anderson’s funeral.