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Deborah (“Debbie”) Lynette Eisan (née Neveau), sailor, Indigenous rights activist, Elder, honorary captain (born 24 July 1957 in Sault Ste Marie, ON). Elder Debbie Eisan served as a supply technician in the Canadian Navy for 36 years. She is an Ojibwe Anishinaabe kwe (woman) from Batchewana First Nation (see also First Nations in Ontario). Eisan was instrumental in the design and development of the Eagle Staff for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Naval Career
Elder Debbie Eisan enrolled in the CAF on 9 December 1975. She married David Eisan, an army vehicle technician, on 9 October 1976 and they have two daughters. During her lengthy career, Eisan served in Moncton, Gagetown, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax, rising to the rank of chief petty officer 2nd class. Among her career highlights were postings to HMCS Iroquois, including a seven-month deployment in the Arabian Sea supporting the War against Terrorism, and the closeout of the UN base in Rwanda, Africa.
Eisan retired from the navy on 11 December 2011. After retirement, her association with the navy continued when she was appointed honorary captain in the Royal Canadian Navy on 19 October 2020. As such, she is affiliated with the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship HMCS Margaret Brooke.
Eagle Staff
In 2002, Elder Debbie Eisan and retired petty officer 2nd class Chris Innes had a vision to create a symbol of unity among Indigenous members of the DND and CAF. The Eagle Staff is the result.
Eagle Staff
A member of the military holds the Canadian Armed Forces Eagle Staff during a National Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. The ceremony commemorates those who have served in Canada's military.
(David Kawai/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Eagle Staff is composed of an ash bow, a narwhal tusk and a Métis sash, topped by an eagle carving. The Canadian flag is attached to the top of the bow, while provincial and territorial flags adorn the bowstring, each bearing an eagle feather.
The Eagle Staff is a travelling symbol of unity among the Indigenous people on the defence team. It represents traditional Indigenous cultures and clans, time-honoured beliefs in spiritual entities and healing, and reverence for the Creator and all life.
The Eagle Staff must be visible at all DND/CAF Indigenous celebrations across Canada and is carried to events and ceremonies as required. Only certain people can be Eagle Staff carriers. Veterans and serving DND/CAF members are specially chosen based on the qualities of honesty, bravery, humility, wisdom, integrity and respect for Indigenous traditions.
Advocacy
As an Elder, Elder Debbie Eisan works with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Dalhousie University, Western University, St. Mary’s University, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, H Division of the RCMP and the Parole Board of Canada.
As well, Eisan is a member of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Care and Support Advisory Committee, and the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group, which gives guidance to commanders on issues affecting the lives of Indigenous people in the DND and CAF. In addition, Eisan serves on the boards of Commissionaires Nova Scotia and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.
Honours and Awards
In addition to a number of military service and civilian commemorative medals, Elder Debbie Eisan was also presented with an Award of Distinction from the National Aboriginal Women in Leadership Foundation in 2004.
