Indigenous Veterans Day
November 8 is National Indigenous Veterans Day. Thirty years ago, it was created as National Aboriginal Veterans Day to honour Indigenous veterans and pay tribute to their contributions in Canada’s military history.
Under Treaty, Indigenous People did not have to fight on behalf of the Queen or Canada.
Yet thousands chose to serve, defending a country that did not treat them as equals, demonstrating commitment to their Nations and Canada. When they returned home, Indigenous veterans found their Treaty and human rights denied—losing status, land, and access to the same supports given to other veterans. While non-Indigenous veterans received farmland and benefits, Indigenous veterans were often excluded from these programs.
Take time to learn about and honour these veterans
Here are some resources to get started
ithiniw-simâkanisihkânak / Indian Veterans
Salamô omasinahikîwin / Written by Solomon Ratt