Minister of National Defence Video Message for National Indigenous Veterans Day
Video / November 08, 2022
Transcript
Hello, Bonjour.
I am joining you from the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg peoples. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Today, on November 8th, we gather to commemorate National Indigenous Veterans Day – a time to pay tribute to Indigenous veterans, fallen heroes, and active armed forces members.
Across the country, Canadians are paying respects, sharing stories, and laying wreaths.
Throughout the country, in schools and at cenotaphs, people are gathering to honour Indigenous veterans, share stories and lay wreaths.
Today, we recognize the strength and the contributions of Inuit, Métis and First Nations veterans, many of whom fought discriminatory policies and practices designed to prevent them from serving.
Indigenous veterans are a crucial part of Canadian history – and their sacrifices are etched into this country's story.
We remember heroes like Edith Monture, the nurse who provided critical care to our allies in France during the First World War.
We remember Tommy Prince, one of 59 Canadians awarded the Silver Star during the Second World War.
And we remember Henry Norwest, one of the greatest marksmen in Canadian Armed Forces history.
From the Beaches of Vimy and the Shores of Dieppe, to the Mountains of Afghanistan, and the Northern Waters of the Artic, Indigenous veterans have been at the heart of our armed forces community.
Their stories of courage, valour and sacrifice must be passed on.
For much too long, their stories have been overlooked and denied.
Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Indigenous Veterans and their loved ones, National Indigenous Veterans Day has grown since its initial celebration in 1994 and is now celebrated all across the country.
We are inspired by the dedication and determination of Indigenous veterans, and by everything they have done to make the world a better place – often despite the hatred and discrimination to which they were subjected.
Although we have made progress in highlighting the achievements of Indigenous veterans, we have a long way to go.
There are still stories to be told. And stories to write, as well.
And, we have much work ahead of us to build a military where everyone – including Indigenous peoples – feel safe, protected, and respected should they choose to wear the Canadian Armed Forces uniform.
We will continue to cherish the input of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group, and work to build a more inclusive institution, informed by your advice, and by the final report of the Minister's Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination – which I accepted earlier this year.
Today, tomorrow, and every day, let us honour the legacy and achievements of Indigenous Veterans, and all those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Let us commemorate their service,
Let us honour their sacrifice,
And let us share their stories, so that they may never be forgotten.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwech, Nakurmiik.
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