November 8, 2021
Statement from Premier Heather Stefanson and Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere on Indigenous Veterans Day
Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour and acknowledge the important contributions and sacrifices of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans who provided their services to Canada. We remember the Indigenous peoples who were lost while serving our country and we extend our gratitude and appreciation to all current serving Indigenous members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their continued loyalty and dedication to Canada.
Manitoba was the first province to recognize National Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8, 1994. Now recognized across Canada, commemorations and ceremonies take place to honour the over 12,000 Indigenous peoples who served in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War. Some First Nations soldiers had to become enfranchised before they could fight in the Second World War, which meant when they returned, they had lost their recognized status as a First Nations person and the inherent rights and benefits associated with federal recognition as a First Nations person.
While equals with their comrades-in-arms on the battlefield, this was not the case when coming home. When returning to Canada, Indigenous veterans experienced the same racism as before the first and second world wars and the Korean War. Many Indigenous veterans came home to find they were denied benefits they were entitled to, the exact same benefits as any other returning service man or woman. They returned home with a self-awareness that they were not ‘second-class’ persons, and they sought the same principles of democracy, freedom and equality for which all Canadians had fought and died.
Too often, the injustices endured and sacrifices that Indigenous veterans made were forgotten and discounted. This history is painful and it is important that we acknowledge the courageous achievements, valuable contributions and significant sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis service members, both historically and in the present day.
Today, a large number of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people serve with the Canadian Armed Forces at home and overseas. These men and women represent over 600 Indigenous communities, including more than 70 Indigenous languages and distinct dialects. Indigenous veterans continue towork tirelessly to support Canada’s interests and commitments both domestically and internationally, furthering a tradition of service stemming back multiple generations.
Indigenous peoples have and continue to make valuable contributions to our country’s peace and security, for which we as members of the Canadian society are all thankful.
On this significant day of remembrance, Indigenous Veterans Day, we acknowledge and show our utmost appreciation to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who serve, and we acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who served before them for their contributions and sacrifices made on behalf of Canada.
To learn more, visit www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans.
- 30 -