On Indigenous Veterans Day we honour the contributions made by Indigenous Veterans.
The participation of Indigenous people in Canada’s military efforts over the years has been impressive. These determined volunteers were often forced to overcome many challenges to serve in uniform. These included learning a new language, adapting to cultural differences, and having to travel great distances from their remote communities just to enlist.
The story of Indigenous service in the First (1914- 1918) and Second (1939-1940 World Wars, the Korean War (1950) and later Canadian Armed Forces efforts is a proud one. It has been estimated that as many as 12,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people served in the great conflicts of the 20th century.
On November 8th, let us all take a moment to remember and say thank the Indigenous Veterans who defended our nation with courage and dedication.
To learn more about the remarkable historical stories of Indigenous men and women who have served in Canada’s military, visit https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans.