Indigenous Veterans
First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country.
Blood Tribe recruits, 191st Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, Fort Macleod, Alberta. (Glenbow Archives, NA-2164-1)
November 8th recognizes the Indigenous Veterans and their sacrifice over millennia. From contact - the American Revolution to the War of 1812, the World Wars, Korea and well as modern conflicts, over 12,000 Indigenous veterans have volunteered to serve. The veterans of our territory will be remembered for their sacrifice of peace.
National Aboriginal Veterans Day began in Winnipeg in 1994 when Indigenous veterans were not recognized in Remembrance Day activities and is now celebrated in many communities across Canada. Over 12,000 Indigenous people are estimated to have volunteered in all three wars, including 7,000 First Nations members, and approximately 300 died during these conflicts.
Resources
- Indigenous Veterans - Veterans Affairs Canada
- National Aboriginal Veterans Monument - National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials (NICMM) - Memorials - Remembrance - Veterans Affairs Canada
- Honouring Indigenous Veterans Day - Right To Play
- The importance of Indigenous Veterans Day | CTV News
- Honouring their bravery and dedication: Indigenous veterans have their special day | CBC News
- May We Suggest: Books for Indigenous Veterans Day | Kingston Frontenac Public Library
- Indigenous Veterans Day | Carleton Place Public Library | BiblioCommons