Every year on November 8, Canadians observe Indigenous Veterans Day, an annual day of commemoration to recognize the service and sacrifice of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who have served in Canada’s military. It’s an opportunity to learn about their unique contributions and to remember those who gave their lives in service to others. It is also an important time to reflect on the barriers of discrimination facing Indigenous veterans returning home and the historic failure of Canada to adequately honour and support Indigenous veterans.

Indigenous Peoples have a long history of military service in Canada. During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indigenous people served in uniform. Many brought valuable skills as scouts, guides and marksmen, and Indigenous soldiers received numerous medals for bravery. During the Second World War, more than 3,000 First Nations people served, along with an unknown number of Inuit and Métis recruits. Indigenous people also served during the Korean War and in later Canadian military and peacekeeping missions.

One of Canada's most highly decorated Indigenous soldiers of the First World War was Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwe soldier. Another is Tommy Prince, an Anishinaabe veteran from Manitoba who served with distinction during the Second World War and the Korean War.

Sadly, after risking or sacrificing their lives, indigenous soldiers often returned home to a country which still treated them as second class citizens. After the First World War, for example, many First Nations veterans faced barriers to receiving benefits available to non-Indigenous veterans. Discrimination and government policies continued to affect Indigenous veterans after their military service.

Indigenous Veterans Day was first officially recognized in Manitoba in 1994 and is now observed across Canada.

November 8 is a time to recognize the courage, dedication and sacrifices of Indigenous Veterans. Their stories are an important part of Canada's history and remind us that the country's military story includes people from many cultures and communities. By learning about their experiences, Canadians can ensure that their service and sacrifices are remembered and respected.

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