First Nation near Sudbury marks Indigenous Veterans Day

Ceremony marks Indigenous Veterans Day Nov. 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day, which recognizes the First Nation, Metis and Inuit People who served Canada in the military.

Nov. 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day, which recognizes the First Nation, Metis and Inuit People who served Canada in the military.

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, a First Nation west of Sudbury, marked the occasion with its annual ceremony held in the community centre.

There were traditional parts to the Remembrance Day service, mixed in with elements of Indigenous culture such as drumming and ‘Oh Canada’ sung in the Anishinaabemowin language by students from St. James Catholic School.

It was all the honour of Indigenous veterans.

"To really increase the healing that this ceremony can yield," said Atikameksheng Anishnawbek events coordinator, Brandy Saikkonen.

"And making sure the community feels honoured and remembered especially to our veterans."

During the service, Chief Craig Nootchtai read 30 names of veterans from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, some long gone and others still serving.

"It’s part of our DNA," Nootchtai said.

"We’re all warriors to some degree and we have to make sure we remember that and pass that teaching on to our youth."

Veterans Affairs Canada said historical statistics are difficult to determine, but thousands of Indigenous people served in the War of 1812, the First World War, Second World War -- and continue to serve to this day.

One of the most decorated Indigenous Canadian soldiers was First World War Sgt.-Maj. Francis Pegahmagabow. His great-grandson took part in Friday’s ceremony as part of the drumming circle.

The community was recently gifted a special eagle feather to honour its veterans. Nootchtai said that will become part of the service next year.

"It still has to go through a process, to kind of like a birthing almost where it’s introduced to the community," he said.

"It has to go through that process before we can officially make it part of the ceremony."

Nootchtai said he wants to see more education and awareness around First Nation veterans.

When it comes to Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, he said the community is working on a new memorial and is looking into having special street banners to pay tribute to local veterans.