November 8, 2021
Dear students and colleagues,
For anyone who may not be aware, there are two important days of remembrance this week. We are invited to remember those who served Canada in two world wars as well as smaller conflicts and peacekeeping missions, those who did not return and those who continue to serve today.
Today is National Indigenous Veterans Day, which began in 1994. It is only since 1995 that Indigenous veterans have been allowed to lay wreaths at the National War Memorial in Ottawa to remember their fallen comrades. During WW1, WW2 and the Korean War, Indigenous people were exempt from conscription laws of the time as they were not considered citizens. They volunteered to fight for Canada at a time when they faced severe racism from Canadians and after their service many did not receive the same veteran’s benefits and services received by non-Indigenous veterans.