A symbol of Indigenous history made its way to the territories for the first time since it was created in 2002.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) presented the Eagle Staff in front of the hamlet of Resolute Bay's town hall on March 13 during Operation Nunalivut.

A presentation made by Warrant Officer Sheldon Quinn to members of the forces, the hamlet's mayor Tabitha Mullin and a Canadian Ranger known only as Debbie sought to showcase the diversity in the military.

Described by Quinn as a monumental occasion for First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, Tuesday's presentation was the first time the staff has made it north of the 75th parallel.

Quinn, a member of the Sand Lake Cree Nation in the Treaty 6 territory of north-east Alberta said as a carrier he feels a sense of pride.

SA国际影视传媒淚t's an honour to bring the staff North for the very first time,SA国际影视传媒� said Quinn, who carried the staff during the 100 year anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge. SA国际影视传媒淓very Aboriginal person there stood up and you could see the pride growing on their faces. It didn't march with the parade, it led the parade on.SA国际影视传媒�

The staff, combines the contributions of First Nations, Metis and Inuit soldiers to the CAF. An eagle carved out of deer antler sits on top of a narwhal tusk bow. It's complimented by a Metis sash which flows from the top of the bow to the bottom. The staff presents the flags of all 13 provinces and territories with a single feather attached to each individual flag.

SA国际影视传媒淚n aboriginal culture a feather is a sign of strength,SA国际影视传媒� said Quinn. SA国际影视传媒淐ollectively the feathers attached to each province means that we are strong as one nation.SA国际影视传媒�

The staff was created by two elders and former service members in 2002 to commemorate the service of Indigenous men and women who served in the Military, Navy and Air Force.

During World War I, World War II and the Korean War nearly 12,000 Indigenous soldiers fought to defend the rights of Turtle Island. Although nearly 500 of the soldiers never returned to their families, Quinn said the creation of the staff in 2002 helped solidify the importance of Indigenous representation in the military.

During its life, the staff has marched with the CAF during the anniversary's of Vimy Ridge, Somme, Ypres and Dieppe. Also making stops in the during a military march in the Netherlands.

Quinn said the staff is more well travelled than many Canadians might be.

He adds the importance of the eagle staff is not solely on the commemoration of Indigenous service, but it is also a symbol of strength that Indigenous people can look to when facing times of injustice.

SA国际影视传媒淚t was built at a time when Aboriginals needed that oomph, that acknowledgement they are there,SA国际影视传媒� said Quinn. SA国际影视传媒淚t wasn't until 1995 that Aboriginals were allowed to lay a wreath on the war monument in Ottawa on Remembrance Day.SA国际影视传媒�

Quinn who has served two deployments to Afghanistan, said the eagle staff is not meant to be a recruitment tool for young Aboriginal men and women. He said many of the people in the communities don't know the staff exists. He added that bringing the staff to Resolute Bay is a first step in building positive relationships with the Qikiqtaaluk region.

SA国际影视传媒淚 feel a lot more pride just holding the staff,SA国际影视传媒� said Quinn.