Indigenous Veterans Day November 8th
National Indigenous Veterans Day Canadian Government Message
War of 1812
Indigenous people have a long military history in the formation of the country, including their integral role in Canada’s efforts in the War of 1812 against the Americans, when the American army under General William Hull crossed the Detroit River and invaded what was then known as Upper Canada.
Shawnee chief Tecumseh, renowned for his battle skills and leadership, was behind the effort of routing Hull and fought alongside General Isaac Brock, capturing Fort Detroit on August 16, 1812.
Tecumseh, who fought for the Shawnee, was a celebrated figure until his death in battle in October of 1813. His victories were decisive in Canada’s journey to formation and independence from the United States.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/the-history-and-legacy-of-indigenous-veterans-day-1.5656896
The Contributions of Indigenous Veterans
Unfair Treatment
Thousands of Indigenous people proudly served in uniform during the war years. Many Indigenous communities also contributed to our country’s war efforts in other ways. However, there was a dark side to how the Canadian government treated these communities. Canada expropriated hundreds of thousands of acres of reserve lands during this era. Some of their land was also taken and given to non-Indigenous people as part of a program that granted farmland to returning Veterans. The government typically denied this re-establishment program to Indigenous Veterans, and also treated them unfairly in other ways.
Many Indigenous people had hoped their wartime service and sacrifice would increase their rights in Canadian society. But Canada did not treat them the same as other Veterans after they returned to civilian life. Often they were denied access to full Veteran benefits and support programs. Despite serving on the front lines together, Indigenous Veterans were left behind compared to their non-Indigenous comrades. This second-class treatment made their transition to life back home even harder. This discrimination had a negative impact on many brave Indigenous people who had given so much in the cause of peace and freedom.
Indigenous Veterans - Veterans Affairs Canada
Unfair Treatment
Following World War II, some Indigenous veterans returned from war and had lost their ‘status’, as they had been absent from their reserves for more than four years. This was a provision of the Indian Act at the time. Indigenous veterans were enfranchised, their sacrifices largely forgotten while their rights and status as Indigenous Peoples were taken away.
November 8th is Indigenous Veterans Day - Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Beaded Poppies & First Nations, Metis & Inuit Pin
Honouring Indigenous Veterans with Special Objects:
Hand-made poppies proudly worn by aboriginal veterans to show respect - The Globe and Mail
Commemorative poppy pin designed for Indigenous veterans - LakelandToday.ca
Indigenous Veterans
A to K - Aboriginal Veterans Honour List (Indigenous Veterans Tribute List)
https://www.vcn.bc.ca/~jeffrey1/LtoZ.htm
National Aboriginal Veterans Monument - National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials (NICMM)
Indigenous Veterans Initiative
REMEMBERING AND HONOURING INDIGENOUS WAR HEROES: WORLD WAR 1 AND 2 - MUSKRAT Magazine