Today is National Indigenous Veterans Day. Thirty years ago, it was created as National Aboriginal Veterans Day to honour Indigenous veterans and pay tribute to their contributions in Canada’s military history.

While Nov. 8 provides an occasion to remember those who fought and those who died, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the unequal treatment faced by Indigenous People when they returned from combat.

Under Treaty, Indigenous People did not have to fight on behalf of the Queen or Canada. Yet thousands of people signed up to serve. However, during this same period, Canada expropriated reserve lands. Upon their return, Indigenous Veterans were typically denied the farmland granted to other returning Veterans. Also, they were often denied access to full benefits and support programs.

Despite serving on the front lines together, Indigenous Veterans were treated as second-class citizens, making their transition to life back home even harder.

As part of your reconciliation journey, learn more about these veterans and take time to recognize them now. Here are some resources to get started

ithiniw-simâkanisihkânak / Indian Veterans
Salamô omasinahikîwin / Written by Solomon Ratt

We Answered the Call: A History of the Saskatchewan First Nations' Contribution to Canada's Freedom and Democracy

30 Years Later: On the Founding of Indigenous Veterans Day

The Indigenous Veterans Initiative: Finding Unmarked Graves