Visit to the Canadian Embassy
On Tuesday, 12 November, the Diplomatic Committee, together with a group of students from Ghent University, visited the Canadian Embassy in Brussels. We were warmly welcomed by the embassy's political counselor, who led the visit and provided us with general information about Canada, its functions, and the role of the embassy.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to meet a delegation of personalities from Canada’s Indigenous communities who were in Belgium to commemorate the First World War Armistice. Some of them were descendants of veterans who fought under the Canadian banner during the First World War, primarily from the Mi'kmaq and L'nu communities.
It was with great emotion that each of them shared their career paths and their connection to their communities. Among the most memorable speakers were Debbie Eisan, a Canadian Armed Forces retiree; Andrea Paul, the Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations in the Nova Scotia Region; and Jesse Benjamin, a traditional dancer. These three women are deeply committed to various social causes, including education, women’s rights, environmental protection, and the fight against racism and discrimination faced daily by their communities.
They placed a particular emphasis on the preservation of their languages. Andrea Paul, in particular, has been working tirelessly through her public role to support the establishment of schools for the Mi'kmaq community. She has fought and continues to fight for the recognition and protection of her community. Above all, the speakers highlighted the vital role of women and their contributions to Canada’s sovereign powers, such as the armed forces and the police, as some of the first women to hold key positions in these institutions.
The delegation was accompanied by journalists who follow these remarkable individuals and document their stories.
Canada’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Nicholas Brousseau, also addressed us during the visit. In a brief but impactful speech, he reaffirmed the crucial role of Indigenous peoples in shaping Canada’s identity.
Overall, this informal exchange was both enriching and convivial. It offered us an invaluable opportunity to learn more about Canada’s cultural diversity, the political and social organization of its Indigenous communities, and their relationship with the Canadian federal government. These communities continue to demand greater recognition for their contributions. Throughout the visit, the Canadian Embassy served as a platform for these communities who have served Canada for so many years to amplify their voices and share their stories.
