On November 8, Canadians pay tribute to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit veterans who have served and sacrificed in defence of this country.
Indigenous Peoples have a long history of military service in Canada, dating back over 200 years, including participation in the War of 1812, the World Wars, Korea, Afghanistan, and modern peacekeeping missions. Today, there are approximately 23,000 Indigenous veterans, with many more continuing to serve in the Canadian armed forces.
Indigenous service members have made many important contributions in times of conflict, including the use of Indigenous languages by Code Talkers during the First and Second World Wars. This is a powerful example of how Indigenous knowledge and languages have contributed to creating a stronger country for all Canadians.
At the same time, many Indigenous veterans returned home to face systemic inequities, including exclusion from certain veterans’ benefits and the broader impacts of colonial policies that displaced Indigenous peoples from their territories and affected their communities. It is a difficult truth that many Indigenous veterans sacrificed everything for a nation that did not, in return, treat them with the dignity and respect they deserved.
Today we remember and honour the sacrifices and enduring legacy of Indigenous veterans and commit to creating a more just society for present and future Indigenous service members.