It takes a toll on you’: Metis veteran using Indigenous practices to cope with PTSD – CTV News
YORKTON, SASK. -One Metis Veteran used his Indigenous culture to help him cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from his time serving with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Clinton Digness was inspired to join the army after seeing photos and hearing stories of his family members fighting in the Battle of Batoche, World War I and World War II.
“The army gave me sense of belonging and acceptance and honour and I carry that with me to this day,” Digness said in an interview.
In 1993, he became a seventh generation Metis Veteran when he returned from the Canadian Peace Keeping Mission in Somalia.
“It takes a toll on you and you have to be strong mentally, emotionally, physical and spiritually to get through that,” he said.
