🍁🪖 National Aboriginal Veterans Day – Honouring Indigenous Warriors of Canada 🇨🇦 (November 8)

📅 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

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