Hundreds of people gathered on Rama Frist Nation on Sunday to commemorate and remember those who have served in the Canadian army on Indigenous Remembrance Day. A parade was held featuring dignitaries, current members of the armed forces and veterans before dozens of wreaths were laid at the cenotaph just outside of the Rama Community Hall. The ceremony was lead by Rama Fire and Fire Chief Jeremy Parkin who said this year was extra special. “This is actually the 105th anniversary of Rama First Nations Remembrance Day to honour its veterans that have fought in all wars, all the way back to pre-contact, all the way through to the World Wars, Korean wars, and every conflict that we’ve had today,” said Parkin. Lt. Colonel Scoot Moody who is the Commanding Officer 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and the group is made up of 95 per cent Indigenous members. He said the 8th of November signifies two purposes which to remember the fallen, and remember the Indigenous Veterans who had to fight for their service. Indigenous soldiers had to give up their status to join the Canadian army and when they returned did not receive the same benefits as other Veterans. “Through Indigenous history and their service in the previous was particularly World War One and World War Two, a lot of the Indigenous members, when they returned from their service, didn’t have the same rights and benefits that a lot of other Veterans did,” said Moody. Dozens of youth also participated in the ceremony on Sunday. “The youth are a key component of and the preservation of our history, the pride of being Canadian and the service to the country with our youth is critical,” said Moody. “It’s a Sunday and we have, students coming out here to pay tribute and commemorate the sacrifices that their families have made.” Ted Snache, head councilor at Rama First Nation was at the ceremony and he reflected on the impact members of his community had serving their country. “I was looking at our cenotaph here when we’re sitting here and going through today’s service, and I seen some of the dates on some of our members and back then that our community was so small,” said Snache. “So to have all those names on that cenotaph and them going away serving must have really left the community really without hardly any men back then.” Throughout the ceremony prayers, song, and Flanders Fields were recited in Ojibwe, leaving Snache proud of his community. “Our community school and our culture and our recreation and community as a whole with them learning the language, learning the history and our children are doing really well,” said Snache. “As a community as a whole. I really believe that, they’re, they’re picking up the history and listening to their elders and, and that’s so important when you listen to your elders that helps you get grounded and it helps you give your identity.” Rama Fire, also showcasing their Remembrance Memorial Fire Truck which has pictures of poppies and the names of those from their community who have served.
