The Defence Advisory Group (DAG) Secretariat recently announced the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) has changed its name to the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG), effective May 25.

The DIAG was established in 1995 to represent Indigenous public service employees from the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Members of the DIAG share information with the Defence Team on Indigenous issues, provide advice on how DND/CAF policies and programs affect Indigenous members, and help promote successful interactions between the DND/CAF and Indigenous people across the country.

This contributes to employment equity objectives and enhances diversity and inclusion within the organization.

CFB Shilo has its own DIAG — contact COS Maj Scott Youngson for more information, or DIAG military co-chair Sgt Sylvain LeBlanc.

In recent years, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, as well as the Government of Canada, have embraced the use of the term ‘Indigenous’ versus ‘Aboriginal.’

The Royal Assent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in 2021 affirmed this terminology switch. The DIAG felt it was appropriate to change its name accordingly.

After consultation with the DIAG’s membership, the national and regional co-chairs voted unanimously to change their name. Efforts continue to update the name on all documents and webpages.

All Defence Team members who are committed to the principles of employment equity, diversity, and inclusion—regardless of their ethnicity, gender, orientation, disability, age, or background — are welcome to join the DIAG.

Note: There is no change to the French name as ‘Indigenous’ remains ‘Autochtones.’

 

DIAG military co-chair Sgt Sylvain LeBlanc is active on the Base when it comes to sharing Indigenous history, traditions and culture during activities such as the unveiling of a permanent tipi at Base headquarters or during Indigenous Awareness Week (IAW) activities held adjacent to L25. Photo Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag