Skip to main content

🍁🪖 National Aboriginal Veterans Day – Honouring Indigenous Warriors of Canada 🇨🇦

📅 Observed every year on November 8
✍️ Shared by CRA | https://craarts.blogspot.com


“They fought for a land that didn’t always fight for them.”


National Aboriginal Veterans Day is observed annually on November 8 in Canada to recognize and honor the military service of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Though long overlooked in mainstream remembrance events, this day now stands as a powerful acknowledgment of Indigenous courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.


🌾 A History of Unseen Bravery

Thousands of Indigenous soldiers have served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and in peacekeeping missions around the globe. They volunteered despite systemic inequalities, cultural barriers, and the lack of full citizenship rights at the time.

Many had to give up their status, language, and traditions to serve in the armed forces—and yet they went forward with honor.

🎖️ Over 12,000 Indigenous people are estimated to have served in Canadian military history.


🕯️ Why November 8?

This date was chosen in 1994 by Indigenous communities to ensure their contributions were recognized before Remembrance Day (Nov 11), giving them a distinct and sacred space in the national memory.

It began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has since expanded across Canada with ceremonies, healing circles, and educational events.


🎨 Artistic Reflection

As an artist, I believe that memory lives not only in words but in symbols, patterns, and stories. Aboriginal Veterans Day is a day to paint with remembrance and respect, using earth tones and sacred stories to tell the truths that were once hidden.

“Their moccasins marched beside boots. Their drums echoed with cannons. Their stories deserve to be remembered.”
CRA 


🧡 How You Can Participate

  • Attend or support a local Aboriginal Veterans ceremony

  • Learn about Indigenous heroes like Tommy Prince (WWII elite scout and decorated war hero)

  • Share Indigenous military history with your community or school

  • Create or view art inspired by Indigenous remembrance and resilience

  • Reflect on the intersection of service, sacrifice, and identity


📣 A Day to Remember, A Step Toward Reconciliation

Let this day serve not only as a memorial—but as a call for respect, understanding, and equity. Honoring Indigenous veterans is part of the larger journey toward truth and reconciliation in Canada.


📌 For more reflections on heritage, healing, and cultural history, visit:
👉 https://craarts.blogspot.com

Comments

Most visited

Echoes of Disaster: 10 Major Chemical Accidents in India and Their Lasting Impact

From the haunting memories of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to the more recent Visakhapatnam Gas Leak , chemical disasters in India have left deep scars on communities and ecosystems. These tragedies serve as stark reminders of the critical need for stringent safety regulations, better emergency preparedness, and corporate accountability. 1. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (December 2–3, 1984) One of the deadliest industrial disasters in history, this catastrophe unfolded when methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide plant, affecting over 500,000 people. Thousands perished, and even decades later, survivors suffer from chronic health issues. Poor maintenance, faulty safety systems, and negligence turned this into a lasting environmental and humanitarian crisis. 2. Visakhapatnam Gas Leak (May 7, 2020) Amid the COVID-19 lockdown, styrene gas leaked from the LG Polymers plant, killing 12 people and sending hundreds to hospitals. Improper storage of chemicals and failure to follow saf...

Kalpavriksha (The Divine Tree)

Kalpavriksha (The Divine Tree) also known as kalpataru, kalpadruma or kalpapādapa, is a wish-fulfilling divine tree in Hindu mythology. It is mentioned in Sanskrit literature from the earliest sources. It is also a popular theme in Jain cosmology and Buddhism. Sage Durvasa and Adi Shankaracharya, meditated under the Kalpavriksha. The tree is also extolled in iconography and literature. Only two such trees are available across the India, one is situated at Bhuj, Gujarat, India and another one is at Himachal Pradesh. Kalpavriksha, also known as the wish-fulfilling tree , is a sacred and mythical tree in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It is believed to have the power to grant any desire of those who seek its blessings. Kalpavriksha holds a revered place in Indian spiritual traditions, symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and divine grace. Origins and Mythological Significance The origins of Kalpavriksha are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to ancient te...

🟠 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Early Kickoff to Nov 25)

  Every year, the world unites on November 25 for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women , a United Nations observance dedicated to raising awareness and ending gender-based violence. But long before the day itself, early campaigns and initiatives begin as a powerful lead-up , reminding us that the issue cannot be confined to a single date on the calendar. 🔴 Why This Day Matters Global Crisis: 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Invisible Pandemic: Violence against women cuts across borders, cultures, and communities. Human Rights: Ending such violence is central to equality, dignity, and sustainable development. 🌍 Early Observances – Building Momentum As the world prepares for Nov 25 , governments, NGOs, universities, and activists start awareness drives weeks earlier. This includes: Educational Campaigns in schools and communities. Media Outreach with documentaries, survivor stories, ...