Editor,
On Nov. 8, the B.C. Assembly of First Nations acknowledged the Indigenous veterans who fought, and who continue to serve for Canada abroad as they observed National Aboriginal Veterans Day.
National Aboriginal Veterans Day was first observed in 1994, and has continued to mark the service of Indigenous Peoples to Canada, and their role in Canada’s foreign policy.
Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to military service are an important part of our shared history, and it is their dedication to continued military and peacekeeping operations that we must reflect on and honour.
First Nations and Indigenous Peoples have been known to respond to the calls to service, and we reflected on those we have lost in the defense of Canadian values of peace, and democracy.
We must also reflect on the persistent gaps in well-being between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and we must strive to work harder to close these gaps.
As we continue to work towards true lasting reconciliation based on recognition of Indigenous Rights, and Title, we must never forget the sacrifices and accomplishments of Canada’s Indigenous Veterans.
At a special ceremony hosted by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Watuth Nations in Vancouver, an all Nations Flag Party and drums led a parade from the Carnegie Centre to Victory Square Cenotaph on the corner of Cambie and Hastings streets.
A formal wreath-laying ceremony was held to honour the Veterans and their families.
After the ceremony, there was a traditional presentation of star blankets to the Indigenous Veterans able to attend.
More than 7,000 First Nations members served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War, and an unknown number of Inuit, Métis and other Indigenous People also participated.
One Veterans group estimates that 12,000 Indigenous men and women served in the three wars. There are more than 1,200 Indigenous veterans serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
The government of Canada declared in 2015 that Indigenous People were allies in the War of 1812.
B.C. Regional Chief Terry Teegee
B.C. Assembly of First Nations