National Indigenous Veterans Day
The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) is proud to honour the lives, sacrifices, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada by recognizing National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8.
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have a long history of military service in Canada, dating back to pre-Confederation times. These communities have fought with, for, and against European invaders since the time of first contact, with many able to trace their family roots to the War of 1812 and earlier conflicts. Indigenous soldiers often faced numerous barriers to serve, including racism, language challenges, and cultural differences, as well as the need to travel great distances from their communities just to enlist.
Many Indigenous recruits brought invaluable skills to the military. Those from hunting communities often possessed patience, stealth, and weapons expertise, which made them exceptional snipers and reconnaissance scouts.
Throughout November, and in conjunction with Remembrance Day, we commemorate the contributions of Indigenous Veterans and the profound impact they have had on Canada and the world. Promoting culturally responsive and relevant education is essential to dismantling racism, especially Anti-Indigenous racism, which remains a key focus for the TCDSB and its Indigenous Education, Equity, and Community Relations department. Source: Veterans Affairs Canada, 2021
