On November 8, 2023, we honour and remember Indigenous veterans, families, communities and nations.
Did you know?
Indigenous peoples never surrendered nationhood sovereignty and, because of this, were not recognized as Canadian citizens during World War I and World War ll and served as allies of the Crown. This means that they could not be conscripted to serve. Every Indigenous soldier who served in both Great Wars volunteered.
Many were enfranchised. As a result, they were stripped of their legal right to be registered as status Indians. These veterans could not return to their home communities to live as they were no longer band members.
Others who maintained their Indian status were not legally eligible to purchase or own land off-reserve. It was illegal for status Indians, including veterans, to buy the lands that they fought to protect.
At UFA, we believe that reconciliation starts with education and learning the truth of history. Click the following links to learn more about Indigenous veterans in Canada.
- Honouring Indigenous Veterans
- Indigenous Veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada
- History, Veterans Affairs Canada
This Indigenous Veterans Day, we would like to express our gratitude for the contributions Indigenous veterans have made to Canada and the world.
