National Aboriginal Veterans Day

Summary

National Indigenous Veterans Day (also known as National Aboriginal Veterans Day) is a memorial day observed in Canada in recognition of aboriginal contributions to military service, particularly in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. It occurs annually on 8 November. The day was first commemorated in 1994. The special memorial was created because before 1994 Indigenous veterans were not recognized in Remembrance Day activities. Indigenous veterans had to overcome many obstacles to serve Canada in these wars, including adjusting to new cultures, sometimes learning to speak new languages (usually English) and travelling long distances to enlist.[1]

Memorial to Canadian Aboriginal veterans

The memorial was inaugurated in Winnipeg in 1994, and has since spread nationwide.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ "National Indigenous Veterans Day honours military sacrifices of Indigenous people in Canada". The Windspeaker Radio Network. 6 November 2021.
  2. ^ Berthiaume, Lee (8 November 2016). "National Aboriginal Veterans Day continues to grow in size and scope". Global News.

External links edit

  • Aboriginal-Canadian Veterans at Veterans Affairs Canada.
  • Indigenous Veterans at Veterans Affairs Canada
  • Nov. 8 marks National Aboriginal Veterans Day at Department of National Defense, Government of Canada