Indigenous Veterans’ Day 2023

In the spirit of Lets’emot and our on-going commitment to respectful, long-term relationships with local First Nations communities, the District of Kent will be officially observing Indigenous Veterans’ Day on November 8^th.

“Aboriginal Veterans Day” began in 1994 in Winnipeg, MB, to honour all First Nations, Métis and Inuit soldiers who served for the Canadian military. Before 1994, Indigenous soldiers as a group, were not allowed to participate in or be recognized at Remembrance Day ceremonies. They also endured hatred and systemic racism while in active service and when they returned to Canada, did not receive the same benefits, honours, and respect as non-Indigenous Veterans.

This day is intended to reinforce efforts to better understand the role Indigenous Veterans have played in defending Canada and in expressing our heartfelt gratitude for their sacrifices. The flags at all District properties will be flown at half-mast on November 8, 2023, in observance of Indigenous Veterans’ Day.