How Manitobans can mark Indigenous Veterans Day

(File Image: Lizzy Symons/ CTV News Winnipeg)

November 8 marks Indigenous Veterans Day across Canada. The federally established observance recognizes the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans and acknowledges the historical injustices many faced during and after their military service.

The observance was initially recognized federally in 1994, but it was officially enshrined in Manitoba legislation on Thursday night, proclaiming Nov. 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day in the province.

A number of ceremonies and events are planned across Manitoba to mark the occasion.

Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MFF), the National Government of the Red River Métis and the Red River Métis Veterans Department are hosting the 4th annual Indigenous Veterans Ceremony on Nov. 8 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #164 in Lac du Bonnet, Man.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the ceremony starts at 11 a.m.

The event will also be livestreamed on the MFF’s YouTube page.

Indigenous Veterans Day 1st Annual Powwow

A first-ever powwow is being held Nov. 8 at Sergeant Tommy Prince Place. Grand entry begins at 1 p.m. with a supper feast to follow.

There will also be a canteen, silent auction, and 50/50. Proceeds raised will support hampers, dinners and gatherings for Indigenous veterans. More details can be found on Indigenous Veterans Manitoba Inc.’s Facebook page.

Indigenous veterans spotlight

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is spotlighting Indigenous veterans on its social media platforms in the days leading up to Indigenous Veterans Day.

From Connie Buckley Jr., a trailblazing First Nations member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, to Colin Donovan Cook, a Second World War veteran who earned five medals for his outstanding contributions, each story personifies the incredible service and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans.

Details can be found on the AMC’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Indigenous Veterans Wall of Honour

The Southern Chiefs Organization has created a Wall of Honour—a digital showcase (hyperlink) of the achievements and sacrifices of veterans from its 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations. Anishinaabe and Dakota citizens can also submit names and photos they would like to see included.

Free admission at Canadian Museum for Human Rights

To mark both Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is offering free admission to veterans and serving members of the military and their families.

The Israel Asper Tower of Hope will also be lit up in red during the week.

The museum also has a digital exhibition on Dick Patrick, an Indigenous Second World War veteran who was awarded the Military Medal for bravery only to return home to face discrimination. He became a local legal for a year-long act of civil disobedience.

Free screening of Indigenous veterans documentary

Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) is hosting showings all day Friday of the documentary “The Forgotten Warriors.” The 1997 film tells the stories of the thousands of Indigenous Canadians who enlisted and fought in the Second World War.

The screenings are happening all day on Nov. 7 at MITT’s Aazhogan Indigenous Centre.