Military and law enforcement members recently gathered for a service in Regina to remember and honour the contributions of Indigenous veterans. Over 12,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit soldiers served in World War I & II, the Korean War, and other military operations. “They did see the need to go and serve the country and their communities, even though they weren’t give the same sorts of freedoms in Canada when they returned,” said Christopher Bird, Sargent for the Royal Regina Rifles. Robin Cote is a United States Navy veteran. She said Indigenous Veterans Day is needed to share the history veterans faced after completing their service. “Often times they came back and weren’t treated as their counterparts,” said Cote. “They came back believing they would have the same opportunities, the same dignities as their counterparts, which they never did.” Loretta Starr-Goggin served in the United States Air Force for 24 years. She said veterans are honoured more often nowadays, but believes days set aside such as Remembrance Day are now seen by many as a day off, used for shopping and other focuses. “For me as a veteran, that’s not what Veterans Day is about, it’s about recognizing service. Honouring the service of those before and currently,” said Starr-Goggin. Bird’s grandfather served as an engineer in World War II. He recalls hearing stories of comradery and brotherhood between the soldiers. Bird said over his 30 years of military work, he’s seen things change for the better for Indigenous peoples. “It’s becoming more inclusive and better, not just for First Nations people, but for all people of Canada,” said Bird. The First Nations University of Canada hosted the ceremony, welcoming members of the Canadian Armed Forces, United States Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Regina Police Service and File Hills First Nations Police Service. Indigenous Veterans Day has been recognized every Nov. 8 since 1994.
