The first Indigenous Veterans day was celebrated 25 years ago in Winnipeg on November 8th.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada fought on the front line of every major battle Canada has been involved in and did so with valour and distinction. Over 7,000 First Nations People served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. Returning to Canada, Indigenous veterans were unable to access the same benefits granted to non-Indigneous soldiers.

It was in 1995, fifty years after the Second World War, that Indigenous Peoples were allowed to lay Remembrance Day wreaths at the National War Memorial to honour their dead comrades.

Today we remember those who have died. We honour their service to a country that was still actively waging war on Indigenous culture via the Indian Act and residential schools.

Their sacrifice will be remembered always.