Today, the community will be recognizing the contributions of Indigenous soldiers and veterans to Canada’s military service.

 

Veteran Affairs Canada states over four thousand Indigenous people served in the First World War

 

Then in World War II, over three thousand First Nations members, along with an unknown number of Metis, Inuit, and other Indigenous recruits volunteered and served in uniform.

 

Many Indigenous soldiers brought valuable skills with them when they joined the military such as stealth and marksmanship, which helped them become successful snipers and reconnaissance scouts.

 

Locally a memorial service will be held at the OCN Veterans Hall led by the venerable Lydia Constant and reverend Gloria Lavalle.

 

The service begins at 10:30. There will be a feast to follow the ceremony.