Indigenous Veterans remembered for their service to Canada today

Today is a day to pause for a moment to think of the service and
sacrifice of Indigenous members of Canada's Armed Forces

Today is a day set aside for remembrance of those members of First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities  across Canada who served the nation in past wars, a tradition of military service that goes back through the last century and beyond.

Their return to Canada following their service, however was marred by racism and systemic barriers, with the observation of November 8th one form of reconciliation towards those past injustices.

The Federal Government paid tribute to the service of Indigenous members of the military today with a statement that made note of the past and the continued contributions of Indigenous members today.

“Though they served with bravery and made sacrifices for our country, many Indigenous people endured discrimination and systemic racism while serving. Sadly, these discriminatory practices too often continued after service, when Indigenous Veterans were often denied the same benefits, honours and respect as other Veterans. 

Today, thousands of Indigenous people continue to enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces, and many are currently serving Canada at home and abroad, in the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, Special Forces, and the Canadian Army – including the Canadian Rangers. 

We owe Indigenous Veterans immense gratitude for their service. Today, we invite all Canadians to take time to reflect on and remember the significant contributions and bravery of Indigenous Peoples to Canada’s military efforts, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to learn more about Indigenous contributions to our military history. Lest we forget.”

You can learn some of their stories and how the contributed to the war efforts of the past from this selection from Veterans Affair Canada.

Some additional notes towards today's observance can be reviewed below:

Honouring their bravery and dedication: Indigenous veterans have their special day
Did you know November 8 is National Indigenous Veterans Day?
Indigenous veterans 'served with distinction' and came home to no support
Understanding the importance of Indigenous Veterans Day

Saturday will mark the National Day of Remembrance, with two ceremonies in the Prince Rupert and Port Edward region.

Port Edward will host theirs Saturday at 9:30 AM at the Lions Memorial Park in the District.

The Prime Rupert ceremony participants will form up at 10:45 for the march to the Court House Cenotaph and ceremony at 11 AM.

We will have more notes toward those events to come later this week.