Indigenous Veterans Day
The flags at all City facilities will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 to commemorate Indigenous Veterans Day. This day honours the important contributions made by more than 12,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans in service to Canada.
Indigenous people have made significant contributions to Canada’s military efforts. Although it is difficult to estimate full numbers, more than 4,000 Indigenous people served during World War I, and more than 3,000 First Nations members and additional unknown numbers of Métis and Inuit, served in World War II. Hundreds of Indigenous people served in the Korean War, during the Cold War and in Afghanistan. Additionally, many areas, especially in Northern Canada, are supported by the Canadian Rangers and Junior Rangers programs, a group of Indigenous army reservists who use their knowledge of the land to help maintain a national military presence in isolated areas, monitor coastlines and assist in local rescue operations.
In total, according to Veteran Affairs Canada, it is estimated that 12,000 Indigenous people served in the Canadian Armed Forces throughout the twentieth century, and that at least 500 of these members lost their lives.
Many Indigenous communities honour these veterans at the start of ceremonies, pow wows and other events. At many pow wows, you will see veterans being recognized by a community eagle staff, that represents pride and spirit, and a veterans flag in honour of those who died in service, carried into the pow wow circle to a flag song.
In Ottawa, you can visit the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument at Confederation Park to pay respects to Indigenous Veterans on November 8, as well as on November 11 during or before Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Here is a list of other resources:
- Learn more from the perspective of Veteran Affairs Canada.
- View the Government of Canada’s message in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day 2021 from Ministers Miller, Hajdu, MacAulay and Vandal.
- A 2020 statement from Veterans Affairs Canada recognizing Indigenous Veterans Day: Government of Canada marks Indigenous Veterans Day – Canada.ca
- Statement from MWO Sheldon Quinn, 3rd Canadian Division Indigenous Advisor, National Defence: Nov. 8 marks National Aboriginal Veterans Day – Canada.ca
Remembrance Day
The flags at all City facilities will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, November 11, 2023 to commemorate Remembrance Day and honour all Canadians, past and present, who have served their country in time of war.
November 11 is a time to honour and remember those who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. Here are some ways you can participate:
The National Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place at the National War Memorial on Saturday, November 11. The ceremony will begin at approximately 10:30 am. You can attend in person or watch the ceremony live on the Royal Canadian Legion’s Facebook page and local and national news broadcasts.
Royal Canadian Legion branches host Remembrance Day ceremonies in communities across Ottawa. Visit the Royal Canadian Legion’s website for more information on events happening in your area.
Canadian Armed Forces CF-18 Hornets and a vintage plane will fly over the National War Memorial, the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Armed Forces and various Royal Canadian Legion locations in Ottawa between 10:50 and 11:59 am on Saturday, November 11.
