Please watch my video at the National Aboriginal Veterans monument.

This monument was made possible by the National Aboriginal Veterans Association and the generous donations of the Canadian people.

The unveiling is the result of the hard work and perseverance of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association (NAVA), the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and Senator Nick Taylor. The work of artist Lloyd Pinay, the monument is reflective of all Indigenous Peoples in Canada; First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Indigenous Veterans have reason to be proud of their wartime contributions. More than 7,000 First Nations members served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War, and an unknown number of Inuit, Métis and other Indigenous people also participated. One Veterans group estimates that 12,000 Indigenous people served in the three wars. On each occasion, Aboriginal members of the armed forces overcame cultural challenges and made impressive sacrifices and contributions to help the nation in its efforts to restore world peace. It was an incredible response – consistent with a remarkable tradition.

Aboriginal Veterans Day is commemorated on November 8th.