This week, Canadians will take part in ceremonies to honour and remember those who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. It also offers us an opportunity to consider the roles of loved ones who have served in the Canadian Forces as well as those whose contributions were not recognized.
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 contributions, heroism, and sacrifices of thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans in service to Canada.
CNC’s Aboriginal Resource Centre at the Prince George Campus has scheduled an event to honour Indigenous and non-Indigenous veterans. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday November 8th in the lecture theatre (1-306) from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm.
The event is starting early so we can all be ready to mark a moment of silence at 11:00 am. Discussions will follow about the history of and contributions of Indigenous veterans. There will be refreshments, guest speakers, and a documentary on Indigenous veterans. I hope you will have an opportunity to take part. Thank you to the staff of the Aboriginal Resource Centre for their work to make this event possible.
This year, Remembrance Day takes place on a Saturday. I hope you will have an opportunity to take part in ceremonies in communities across the region we serve. I will personally think of my father who served in the Battle of the North Atlantic helping to protect convoys from U-boats, as well as my uncles who served in tank divisions and infantry.
Please note CNC will be closed on Monday November 13th given that the statutory holiday is taking place on a weekend this year.
In closing, I ask you to take time to honour, learn about, and reflect on the efforts of those who served… be they those you know of or others whose stories deserve recognition.
Lest we forget.