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National Indigenous Veterans Day

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November 8th:  Honoring Indigenous Veterans

National Indigenous Veterans Day has been in observance since 1994. 
 
National Indigenous Veterans Day is about making efforts to better understand the role Indigenous veterans played in Canada, and expressing heartfelt gratitude as we commit to a better future. 

Indigenous Peoples in Canada have served in every major conflict Canada has endured.
It is estimated that over 12,000 Indigenous peoples from Canada served in war and peace efforts, with at least 500 paying the ultimate sacrifice.
Nearly 7000 First Nation Peoples served in World War I, World War II and the Korean war. An unknown number of Metis, Inuit and non-status First Nation People also served. Today, nearly 3.5 percent of the Canadian Armed Forces is of First Nation decent. 

Learn more about the legacy of Indigenous veterans as together, we look for a better future.

National Aboriginal Veterans Monument

On 21 June 2001, the Governor General of Canada unveiled a national monument to Indigenous Veterans, in Confederation Park in Ottawa.

The unveiling was the result of the hard work, and perseverance, of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and Senator Nick Taylor.

Inscription:

TO ABORIGINAL WAR VETERANS IN CANADA AND TO THOSE THAT HAVE FALLEN

This monument is raised in sacred and everlasting honour of the contributions of all Aboriginal Canadians in war and peacekeeping operations.

Many thousands of Aboriginal people saw action, and endured hardship, in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War.

They served with honour and distinction in all branches of the service, and in every rank and appointment, from Private to Brigadier.

They fought oversea to defend the sovereignty and liberty of allied nations, in addition to supporting the cause at home.

Their dedication continues, in peacekeeping operations in faraway lands.

(Canada's National Indigenous Peoples Day--formerly "National Aboriginal Day", is marked on June 21.)