A new grand chief has been elected to serve the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association.
Raymond Sanderson of the James Smith Cree Nation was elected to a three-year term on Friday at an assembly in Saskatoon.
Sanderson joined the Canadian Armed Forces at the age of 17, and by the time he was 18 he was already in West Germany, where he completed two tours of duty with NATO Forces.
Sanderson served with the 2nd Battalion (The Black Watch of Canada) and the 2nd Battalion (Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry).
During his military career, he was awarded the NATO Special Services Medal, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, three NAVA Medals and a thank you medal from Holland.
He has spent the last several years assisting the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association as their Prince Albert branch president.
Sanderson says he wants to find new funding for a number of projects that are currently underway.
These include putting markers on the graves of veterans, making sure war widows are getting their benefits and letting children know about the work the veterans have done.
Sanderson says he is looking forward to the challenge.
He takes over from former grand chief Emil Highway.