Indigenous Veterans Day

"Serving the Unseen"

Honouring the legacy of Indigenous veterans in Canada Canada’s historical tapestry is rich, diverse and filled with efforts and sacrifices made by many of its people. A significant thread within this mosaic is the story of our Indigenous veterans - brave individuals who stood up to defend not only their ancestral lands and families, but also the ideals of a nation that did not always recognize its First Peoples. 

For far too long, their stories have remained in the shadows, not being recognized for the courage, resilience and strength of Indigenous People who served in the military, despite facing discrimination at home. They committed themselves to the noble cause of peace and freedom. From the muddied trenches of WWI to the harsh battlegrounds of WWII, the treacherous terrains of the Korean War and numerous peacekeeping missions, Indigenous soldiers served with unparalleled dedication. Their sacrifices were great, but upon their return, many were met not with the recognition and benefits they deserved, but with marginalization and discriminatory government policies. It is an injustice that many Indigenous veterans did not receive the same benefits as their non-Indigenous counterparts, despite having made the same sacrifices.

We need to understand the depth of the sacrifices made by Indigenous soldiers; to recognize the challenges that these veterans faced, both on the front lines and upon their return. But this understanding goes beyond the confines of history. Recognizing the challenges and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans allows us to draw connections to the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities today. From land rights issues to socio-economic disparities, the echoes of the past still reverberate in the present. By understanding history, we are better positioned to appreciate the complexities of contemporary Indigenous issues and to become empathetic and informed citizens who are committed to decolonizing and moving forward to heal the past injustices done toward Indigenous Peoples in Canada.