SMITHS FALLS — A quiet half-hour ceremony took place as Indigenous Veterans Day was observed in Smiths Falls for the first time on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Only two community members attended alongside a small contingent of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95, including its colour party. A brief service was held at the Cenotaph. Two wreaths were placed; one on behalf of Indigenous families, and one on behalf of the legion in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day. The Last Post and God Save the King were played over the sound system and a moment of silence was observed.
Indigenous Veterans Day is marked every year on Nov. 8. This was the first time it’s been held in Smiths Falls, said Legion member, Ken Manwell. “I hope it grows next year.”
According to Veterans Affairs Canada, Indigenous Veterans Day was first observed in 1994 as a way to formally recognize the military service of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. The federal department states that Indigenous Peoples have served in Canada’s military for more than 200 years, including the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and later peacekeeping missions.
Veterans Affairs notes that many Indigenous service members faced barriers other soldiers did not. Some had to give up their legal Indian Status to enlist. Others returned home to limited or unequal access to veterans’ supports and benefits, despite having served overseas.
Indigenous Veterans Day is marked every year on Nov. 8. It does not replace Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. Instead, Veterans Affairs Canada says it exists to ensure Indigenous contributions are acknowledged and visible within Canada’s remembrance traditions.
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