Indigenous Vets

Indigenous veterans are recognized for their efforts

Nov 10, 2022 | 2:10 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Indigenous peoples have a long and proud tradition of performing military service in Canada. With that in mind, CNC took time this week to remember those who’ve defended our country during various world conflicts.

“After World War Two, when the veterans came back, the Indigenous veterans weren’t allowed to go home to their reserves or their communities. They had to relocate. Their status cards were taken away from them, and they didn’t get the same benefits as the non-Indigenous status people.”

Katherina Morris Aboriginal student support worker, College of New Caledonia

For the past three years, Morris has helped lead a local National Indigenous Veterans Day to observe Aboriginal contributions to military service.

These world war indigenous volunteer veterans were forced to learn a new language and travel far from their remote communities to enlist.

The number of indigenous veterans participating in Canada’s military efforts is unknown. However, the fight to keep their memories alive will continue.

Its estimated 12,000 Indigenous people served in the conflicts of the 20th century, with at least 500 losing their lives.