Ministers of Veterans Affairs, National Defence, Indigenous Services, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada mark Indigenous Veterans Day
November 8, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs; the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, today marked Indigenous Veterans Day and unveiled a new display at the National War Memorial honouring Indigenous Veterans.
As of 2024, approximately 12,000 Indigenous people serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Indigenous Canadians have served in every major conflict involving Canada, from the Boer War to the present day. Indigenous Veterans who served prior to April 1, 1985, were not recognized under the Veterans Charter. In 2019, Bill C-31 was passed to address this historical oversight and to ensure that all Canadian Veterans receive the benefits and services they deserve.
Today’s unveiling of the new display at the National War Memorial is a recognition of the significant contributions of Indigenous Veterans to Canada’s military history. The display features the names of over 1,200 Indigenous Veterans who have lost their lives in service to Canada. It also includes a timeline of Indigenous military service in Canada, as well as a map of the traditional territories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
“Today, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of Indigenous Veterans who have served our country with distinction,” said Minister MacAulay. “The new display at the National War Memorial is a fitting tribute to their service and a reminder of the important role that Indigenous peoples have played in Canada’s military history.”
“Indigenous Veterans have made and continue to make invaluable contributions to the defence of Canada,” said Minister Anand. “Today, we recognize their service and their sacrifices, and we are committed to continuing to work with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive and diverse Canadian Armed Forces.”
“The contributions of Indigenous Veterans to our country are immeasurable,” said Minister Hajdu. “Today, we honour their service and their sacrifice, and we recommit to working with Indigenous communities to build a better future for all.”
“The National War Memorial is a place of remembrance and reflection for all Canadians,” said Minister Miller. “The new display honouring Indigenous Veterans is a reminder of the important role that Indigenous peoples have played in our country’s history, and it is a symbol of our commitment to reconciliation.”
“Indigenous Veterans have served with honour and distinction,” said Minister Vandal. “Today, we recognize their service and their sacrifices, and we celebrate the unique contributions that Indigenous peoples have made to Canada.”
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