Remembrance Day is a time dedicated to honour and remember the members of armed forces – the husbands, sons, wives, daughters, nephews, nieces, friends – who selflessly sacrificed their life in the line of duty.
It’s a time where citizens in every town and city, every Anishinabek First Nation far and wide, come together on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month to remember their ultimate sacrifice
“On behalf of the Anishinabek Nation as Grand Council Chief, I want to express my pride of our Anishinaabe families and nations who continue to gather at their memorial cenotaphs on National Aboriginal Veterans Day and Remembrance Day to honour the fallen Warriors and those who returned home," said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare.
"And to our Anishinabek citizens and all men and women who served during wartime as Warriors and peacekeepers throughout history – I cannot put into words my gratitude for your service and for your sacrifice. What I can say is miigwech, miigwech, miigwech – your memories and sacrifices will stay in our minds and hearts always."
Veterans from Anishinabek First Nations are highly regarded Warriors who are always acknowledged and honoured for their contributions at community events and celebrations throughout the year.
More than 7,000 Indigenous Peoples made important contributions during the First World War (1914-1918), the Second World War (1939-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953). Most Indigenous veterans who served in the three wars did service in the infantry or became snipers or reconnaissance scouts. They used their traditional hunting and military skills to carry out dangerous tasks.
Indigenous Peoples who stayed in Canada during the wars also made meaningful contributions. By the end of the two world wars, Indigenous Peoples donated approximately $67,000 to war relief funds like the Red Cross and Salvation Army, and many generously gave land for use as defence posts, airports and rifle ranges.
“Even today, our men and women continue to step up – to serve and protect – and for this, we remain eternally grateful and honour you, too,” adds Grand Council Chief Hare.
