National Aboriginal Veterans Day

On November 8th, we will come together to mark National Indigenous Veterans' Day, honouring the important contributions of Indigenous Peoples in service to Canada. As we reflect, we remember those who lost their lives, and those whose lives were forever changed. Their contribution was well received, and most Aboriginal people found acceptance as partners in the country's war effort. Manitoba was the first province (1994) to recognize November 8th as Aboriginal Veterans Day.

In the First World War “The casualties of war included many of the officers and decorated soldiers. In all, more than 300 status Indians died….Hundreds of others were wounded, many of whom died soon after the war. In addition, disease took a heavy toll; the isolation of many reserves and Aboriginal communities meant that immunity to some diseases was low.”

It is estimated that 12,000 Aboriginal people served in the two world wars and Korea, an estimate that certainly appears reasonable.