London, Ontario November 8th, 2024 – Many Native peoples left their community to serve during many different engagements despite the risk and cost to their lives, but they did so out of duty to family, and community. Many don’t know the hardships Indigenous Veteran’s went through and received very little recognition for their service. To honor those that gave so much every November 8th is Indigenous Veteran’s Day to recognize what they have done and their service to their Peoples.
Grand Chief Joel Abram says “First Nation veterans were often in the forefront alongside their fellow soldiers, and many did not return home to their families. Many went to fight despite the racism they faced in the service and that signing on meant to disenfranchise. In my own family I had two of my great grandfathers enlisted in WWI, and one of them also fought in WW2, and in fact lied about his age to fight the first one. They are but two examples and like a lot of Canadians we shared in that struggle for freedom. Lest we forget.”
Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft states “When WWI and WWII occurred many of our people left their homes, their families and their land to fight. They were not asked, they were not ordered, they knew they had a duty according to our heritage that we had to protect our homelands. The struggle continues today as some First Nation Veterans face a crisis in health, or housing. We owe it to them to ensure they receive the care they deserve in the form of affordable, comfortable housing, and that they receive treatment for any physical or mental suffering they might be going through.”
On November 8th we ask everyone to reflect and take a moment to remember the Indigenous Veterans and on November 11th to honor all veterans for making the ultimate sacrifice.
