Today is National Indigenous Veterans Day. We honour the courage, sacrifice and service of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans who have served their nations, communities and country. 

Indigenous Peoples have a long history of military service that predates Confederation. They served in conflicts such as the War of 1812, the First and Second World Wars, and in peacekeeping missions. One Veterans group estimates that 12,000 Indigenous men and women served in wars since 1914.

Many Indigenous people volunteered to serve despite facing racism, discrimination, and barriers and a loss of their rights fully recognized at home. These challenges of oppression continued to extend to their life after service.

National Indigenous Veterans Day is an opportunity to reflect with gratitude, learn from Indigenous stories of service, and recognize the lasting contributions Indigenous Peoples have made in protecting communities and these lands.