Each November, Canadians pause to honour our military veterans, recognizing the immense sacrifices made by those who served in times of war and peace. While Canada’s veterans fought for freedom and equality in the world, many Indigenous Veterans returned home to find they had lost their already limited rights.
As we reflect on Canada’s military history, it’s essential to acknowledge the vital role Indigenous veterans have played in shaping the nation’s freedom, even as they faced additional challenges themselves.
Events and Commemorations on November 8 and November 11
On November 8, Indigenous veterans are honoured in ceremonies held in communities, schools and national observances. Ottawa holds a significant gathering to commemorate Indigenous veterans, often attended by government officials, Indigenous leaders and veterans’ families.
Traditional ceremonies are an important aspect of National Indigenous Veterans Day, with some communities incorporating cultural elements such as drumming, singing and storytelling. These ceremonies offer a space for Indigenous veterans to share their stories, many of which have been passed down through generations. It’s a time for reflection, healing and celebration of Indigenous identity within the broader Canadian military history.
Similarly, on November 11, Canadians gather at war memorials, attend parades and participate in school programs to honour the sacrifices of all veterans. While the focus of Remembrance Day is broader, Indigenous veterans are often specifically acknowledged for their contributions during these public events. Indigenous soldiers’ stories are increasingly being shared during Remembrance Day ceremonies, ensuring that their legacy is recognized alongside their fellow Canadian servicemen and women.
The History of National Indigenous Veterans Day
National Indigenous Veterans Day was created in 1994 to honour the distinct contributions of Indigenous soldiers, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous service members. Before its establishment, the service of Indigenous veterans often went unrecognized in broader national commemorations. While they fought alongside their fellow Canadians during major conflicts, their experiences and sacrifices were frequently overlooked.
The creation of a distinct Indigenous Veterans Day emerged from efforts to address these historical oversights and provide a dedicated time to recognize the thousands of Indigenous soldiers who served in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. This day also seeks to address the systemic inequalities and challenges that Indigenous veterans faced when they returned home.
Indigenous Contributions to Canada’s Military History
Throughout Canada’s military history, Indigenous people have played a crucial role. Despite facing historical injustices, including displacement, cultural suppression and systemic discrimination, Indigenous soldiers volunteered in large numbers to serve in various global conflicts. Their bravery, skill and resilience made them valuable members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Veterans Affairs Canada estimates that more than 12,000 Indigenous people served during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.
In World War I, Indigenous soldiers enlisted at disproportionately high rates, with over 4,000 serving on behalf of Canada. Many earned high honors for their bravery and combat skills. Indigenous snipers and scouts were highly recognized for their skills learned as hunters. One of the most notable Indigenous soldiers from this period was Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwe sniper credited with over 300 enemy kills and awarded the Military Medal for his bravery on the battlefield.
During World War II, an estimated 3,000 Indigenous soldiers served in various roles, from infantry to aircrew. Once again, their contributions were instrumental in key battles across Europe and the Pacific. Métis veteran Tommy Prince is one of the most decorated Indigenous soldiers, known for his remarkable courage and intelligence as a scout and marksman in both World War II and the Korean War.
The Cree code talkers was an elite group of communications and translation specialists. They translated important transmissions into Cree and communicated with other Cree speakers via radio. Received messages were translated back into English for their commanding officers. This unit of French and English speakers benefited the Allies while defying translation by the German military and are credited with playing an integral part in winning World War II.
While Indigenous military members were considered equals on the battlefield, they faced considerable challenges upon returning home. Many were denied the same benefits and rights as non-Indigenous veterans. For instance, Indigenous veterans did not receive the same land grants or financial support offered to others under the Veterans Land Act, and they faced systemic discrimination that made reintegration into civilian life even more difficult. Many lost their homes as they became enfranchised in order to join the military. No longer “status Indians,” they’d lost their rights and could not return to their reserves. Adding insult to injury, the government of the day felt reserves had too much land and expropriated large tracts on which to build homes for non-Indigenous veterans. The highly decorated Tommy Prince reenlisted for the Korean War to avoid poverty in Canada.
These injustices lingered for decades, with many Indigenous veterans fighting for equal compensation and recognition long after their service. Until 1995, Indigenous veterans were not permitted to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day ceremonies, nor raise a glass at Canadian Legions to remember their fallen comrades.
Ongoing Efforts to Recognize Canadian Indigenous Veterans
Change has been slow. The National Aboriginal Veterans War Memorial was unveiled in Ottawa on June 21, 2001. On June 6, 2005, the 61st anniversary of D-Day, 20 Indigenous veterans of the Second World War were honoured at the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in France, near Juno Beach where at least 33 Indigenous soldiers were buried.
In April 2023, the Assembly of First Nations and Veteran Affairs Canada signed a letter of understanding to work together to assess outreach to First Nations veterans and their families. It also mandates that Indigenous representation will be increased at commemorative events and that a historical record of Indigenous veterans and service members will be created.
Veteran Affairs is looking for input about “ways that Veterans Affairs Canada can improve how it provides services and benefits to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans.” Veterans and their families may contact the Indigenous Veterans Engagement Team.
Educational Resources and Organizations
Numerous organizations are dedicated to advocating for the recognition of Indigenous veterans. The Indigenous Veterans Initiative works to document and share the stories of Indigenous military personnel, while groups like the Royal Canadian Legion offer support and advocacy for all veterans. These organizations provide essential resources for educating the public about the history and contributions of Indigenous soldiers.
There are also educational resources available for those interested in learning more about Indigenous veterans. Books like A Commemorative History of Aboriginal People in the Canadian Military and Indigenous Peoples in the Second World War delve deeply into the experiences of Indigenous veterans, providing a more nuanced understanding of their contributions.
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
