Canadians are marking Indigenous Veterans Day today as well as Remembrance Day on Thursday. I encourage all members of the CNC community to reflect on those who served and sacrificed for Canada.
Veterans Affairs Canada notes, “On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve.” Indigenous Veterans Day honours the important contributions and sacrifices of thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans in service to Canada.
In marking Remembrance Day, I think of my father who served in the Battle of the North Atlantic, helping to protect convoys from U-boats. I recall the service of my uncles in tank divisions and infantry. I have been privileged to witness many Remembrance Day ceremonies honouring their service.
In marking Indigenous Veterans Day, I have thought deeply about the reflection that Executive Director of Aboriginal Education Marlene Erickson compiled last year. It spoke of how many Indigenous veterans in the region we serve made unrecognized sacrifices. She outlined the injustices that many faced in returning to Canada, being denied equality after fighting for others’ freedoms. I encourage you to read her compilation at https://cnc.bc.ca/news/detail/2020/11/11/a-reflection-in-honor-of-aboriginal-veterans.
As we mark Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, I ask for you to take time to honour, learn about, and reflect on the efforts of all those who served… be they those you know of or others whose contributions deserve recognition. I welcome and encourage you to consider remembrance activities within the confines of current public health orders.
Lest we forget.