Indigenous Veterans Day
On November 8, CMHA Nova Scotia Division honours Indigenous Veterans Day. The participation of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in many campaigns, conflicts, and wars have been vital to contributions of the Canadian Forces.
Indigenous Veterans Day was established in 1995 to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous veterans, who were initially excluded from main Remembrance Day ceremonies.
During their service to Canada, Indigenous veterans faced many unique challenges including the loss of their Indigenous status. Despite their sacrifices and vital contributions, many Indigenous military members and veterans were not granted the same rights and recognition they deserved.
One remarkable contribution of Indigenous veterans was their role as Code Talkers during both World Wars.
There are many ways to honour this day including wearing a beaded poppy, which serve as a poignant and meaningful tribute to Indigenous veterans.
These intricate, handcrafted poppies are a symbol of remembrance that not only pay homage to the sacrifice and service of Indigenous veterans, but also represent the rich cultural traditions of Indigenous communities.
