Veterans and their families came together at the Spirit Garden near Toronto’s city hall for a special event honoring Indigenous veterans. The gathering, attended by about 100 people, featured beaded poppies, music, and traditional offerings to commemorate those who lost their lives while serving their country.
Indigenous Veterans Day, established in 1994, is observed nationwide on November 8 each year. Rob Baskey, a senator for the Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans Council, highlighted that the day not only pays tribute to Indigenous military personnel but also acknowledges the historical injustices they encountered. Baskey shared that the origins of the day stemmed from Mohawk warriors being denied the opportunity to lay a wreath at the cenotaph.
During the ceremony, Baskey, who served in South Sudan on a UN mission in 2012, proudly carried the eagle staff. He explained that the red panel on the staff symbolizes the sacrifices of the Métis soldiers. Additionally, the staff features three sets of 11 eagle feathers representing the 11th hour of the 11th day.
One attendee, Jennifer Hammond, has been attending the ceremony annually for the past five years. Hammond’s grandfather, a residential school survivor during the Korean War era, enlisted in the military to escape his circumstances as a teenager. For Hammond, participating in the event is a way to honor her grandfather’s service and sacrifices.
Mayor Olivia Chow was also present at the ceremony, praising the bravery of Indigenous veterans and emphasizing the importance of recognizing their invaluable contributions. She stressed the need for Canadians to understand the reality of Indigenous veterans’ experiences and to strive for reconciliation and positive change.
Despite the challenges faced by Indigenous veterans, events like these serve as a poignant reminder of their sacrifices and resilience, fostering a deeper appreciation for their vital role in Canada’s military history.