The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Honours National Indigenous Veterans Day
November 8, 2022
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges the service and bravery of all First Nations Veterans who have served to protect our peoples. National Indigenous Veterans Day recognizes and commemorates the thousands of First Nation and Indigenous Veterans who fought and died defending this country’s rights and freedoms.
“Today, we acknowledge and honour our Manitoba First Nation Veterans and all other Indigenous warriors who fought for our rights and freedoms,” Grand Chief Cathy Merrick said. “We commend their courage and bravery in believing in something beyond the borders of what we call Canada. Their sacrifice was great, risking their lives on the battlefield and losing their First Nation status when enlisting. We must never forget their courage; even today, we lift our relatives who continue to serve and protect our people.”
Manitoba was the first province to acknowledge Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8, 1994. Now, every province and territory across Canada recognizes this day. More than 12,000 Indigenous people from Canada served in wars on Canada’s behalf, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and many peacekeeping missions across the globe.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs encourages all Manitobans to remember and honour Indigenous Veterans on Indigenous Veterans Day, November 8th, and honour all Veterans on Remembrance Day, November 11th.