Though Rwanda gained independence in 1961, tensions were amplified as time progressed and in the 1990's, the situation took a chaotic and violent turn, leading to a civil war. A major cause of this civil war, aside from harsh tensions between these two historic tribes, was the assassination of a Hutu President, Juvénal Habyarimana.  (Revolution in Rwanda 1959-1961, 2019)
 It was April of
1994 that the Hutus tribe began their mass genocide focused on Tutsi and
moderate Hutu people. Between 500,000 and one million lives were lost in this
civil war and genocide, within 100 days. (Rwanda, 2019)

Three decorated officers of this war were Major General Romeo Dellaire, Major General Guy Tousignant, and Major Brent Beardsley, all having received the Meritorious Service Cross. Dellaire (commander of the UNAMIR from 1993-1994) received this award due to his efforts and success of evacuating thousands of civilians on the brink of war, saving many lives. Tousignant (commander of the UNAMIR from 1994-1995) received the same award for his negotiations in the unstable society, as well as helping with the safe return of refugees. Beardsley received the award for his confrontation to armed mobs of civilians, and his efforts of saving innocent people in violent turns of this war. These men became famous for their peacekeeping efforts presented in this chaotic and violent war. (Rwanda, 2019)

This involvement in this war became a crucial development of Canadian identity. Canada is often perceived to be a peacekeeping country, often working in other countries to help avoid wars and major outbreaks. One of the most important roots of this peacekeeping aspect was Rwanda, though the war became violent and could have been fought with major bloodshed, Canada maintained its goal of keeping their own efforts as peaceful as possible while attempting to save lives. Previously, Canada had been mostly involved in wars with Great Britain’s guidance, but after World War I, this changed as Canada began to not only prove themselves but become more independent, and it was their choices which helped save thousands of lives in this civil war. 
Though some present sources, such as The Star, present the idea that Canada was the most aware of the situation pre-genocide, and chose to ignore many warning signs, and some even going as far saying it was “not Canada’s business” (Black, 2010) but overall, Canada worked to save people more than they tried to ignore the conflicts in the early stages of the war in Rwanda. 

Black, D. (2010, May 22). Why did Ottawa ignore warnings of Rwandan genocide? Retrieved from The Star: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2010/05/22/why_did_ottawa_ignore_warnings_of_rwandan_genocide.html

Revolution in Rwanda 1959-1961. (2019, February 14). Retrieved from On War.com: https://www.onwar.com/aced/chrono/c1900s/yr50/frwanda1959.htm 

Rwanda. (2019). Retrieved from Canadians At Arms : https://canadiansatarms.ca/rwanda/

The Canadian Armed Forces in Rwanda. (2019). Retrieved from Veteran's Affairs Canada: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/canadian-armed-forces/rwanda