"I committed to this project with the support and encouragement of my wife, family, and friends. My only regret is that I didn't start this project years ago as many veterans, including my family members, have recently passed away.

Veterans of both WWII and the Korean War have valuable stories to share with us, but many stories are lost with their passing. These veterans and their families, therefore, are thankful for the opportunity to share their experiences. I began this project on October 29th, 2006 with four initial interviews and have since been speaking with many veterans as well as their families and friends.We now number over two hundred interviews with not only WW2 and Korean War veterans,but veterans of peacekeeping and conflicts up to present day.

One such interview was with Thelma Chalifoux, who described her experience as a sixteen year old working for the Salvation Army. Thelma was stationed at Currie Barracks in Calgary, where she saw the names of many young aboriginal service people on the long lists of wounded, missing, and killed in action. During the years of World War Two, she saw and felt much heartache as she realized many of these names were of friends, and in many cases, family.

Thelma, as the first Aboriginal Canadian Senator and also a representative for veterans, sees that aboriginals have not been given the voice they need to tell about the important part they played in the war. She helped me understand that I should do what I can to make sure the opportunity is there for aboriginal veterans to describe the part they played.

I view this project as a vehicle for historical documentation not only for museums but for schools and the general public to view. I feel as though many people do not fully appreciate or understand the hardships veterans face, so by doing this project, I hope to give these veterans more of the respect they truly deserve! I plan to gather as many veterans together as I can and ensure that all have an equal opportunity to tell their stories. Then through Memories Recovered Project, you will be able to relive their experiences through the words and emotions of the veterans themselves…"

                                                                                                   ~Allan Cameron