Aboriginal Veterans Day was recognized today with a march and ceremony in Vancouver.
The procession started this morning at Main and Hastings, moving West to Victory Square where hundreds took part in a special service.
It was 10th annual event in Vancouver aimed at honouring the sacrifices of First Nations, Metis and Aboriginal women and men who fought for Canada.
“When they came home from the Second World War Aboriginal veterans, or at the time Indian veterans, didn’t get the same benefits. They were taken off the planes, sent back to the reserves, and they were back to being Indians,” said Robert Nahanee, a member of the Squamish First Nation, whose uncle served in the Second World War.
Grand Chief Stewart Philip, President of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, said the event was important to highlight the service of Aboriginal veterans, who often served their country without having the same rights as other soldiers they fought with.
“There’s an interesting history of the cost of service to this country. Veterans who came back lost their status and all of their rights, and it was a real struggle to win those rights back through the court,” he said.
“We were called upon for some very risky missions throughout all of the wars, and took great pride in serving this country in spite of the racism and so on that has been the dark side of Canadian history.”
The event in Vancouver was one of many held throughout Canada as part of Aboriginal Veterans Day.
“We must never forget the sacrifices and accomplishments of Indigenous Veterans, especially as we move forward in our journey of healing, reconciliation and a renewed relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples,” said Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett and Minister of Veterans Affairs Kent Hehr in a statement.
“Reconciliation is about all Canadians making efforts to better understand the role Indigenous Veterans have played in Canada, and expressing their heartfelt gratitude.”