National Indigenous Veterans Day

Tomorrow is National Indigenous Veterans Day, in recognition of Indigenous contributions to military service. Check the Dryden Native Friendship Centre page for details on how to honour these brave soldiers.

During the First World War, thousands of Indigenous peoples voluntarily enlisted in the Canadian military. Volunteering was the only way they could join the fight as they were not considered full citizens at the time and therefore exempt from conscription laws.

Since then, Indigenous Peoples have fought on the front line of every major battle Canada has been involved in and have done so with valour and distinction. However, it was not until 1995, fifty years after the Second World War, that Indigenous Peoples were allowed to lay Remembrance Day wreaths at the National War Memorial to remember and honour their fallen comrades.

To learn more, visit:

www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans