SMCDSB Observes Indigenous Veterans Day

SMCDSB Observes Indigenous Veterans Day
Posted on 11/08/2021
Indigenous imageIndigenous Veterans Day is observed across Canada every year on November 8th. It is estimated that as many as 12,000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit people participated in Canada’s military efforts throughout the great conflicts of the 20th century.

SMCDSB staff, students and their families are encouraged to pray for and acknowledge the Indigenous veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country. Let us honour them for their service and bravery and as we move forward in our journey of healing, reconciliation and renewed relationship, let us never forget.

The following excerpt from the Government of Canada’s website, provides some information about the rich history of our Indigenous veterans:

“The story of Indigenous service in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and later Canadian Armed Forces efforts is a proud one. While exact numbers are elusive, it has been estimated that as many as 12,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people served in the great conflicts of the 20th century, with at least 500 of them sadly losing their lives.

This rich heritage has been recognized in many ways. The names given to several Royal Canadian Navy warships over the years, like HMCS Iroquois, Cayuga and Huron, are just one indication of our country's lasting respect for the contributions of Indigenous Veterans. This long tradition of military service is also commemorated with the striking National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa. This deeply symbolic memorial features a large bronze eagle at its top, with four men and women from different Indigenous groups from across Canada immediately below. A wolf, bear, bison and caribou—powerful animals that represent "spiritual guides" which have long been seen by Indigenous cultures as important to military success—look out from each corner.”


Source: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans