Reconciliation Honoring Indigenous War Veterans

In the spirit of reconciliation we should recognize the Indigenous people in our own communities and throughout Canada for the accomplishments they have made. Near my home community, Carry the Kettle Nakoda First Nation is located; people of this First Nation made significant contributions to Canada through their efforts in the wars. Honoring the history of Indigenous veterans is a way of practicing reconciliation. “Together, Canadians must do more than just talk about reconciliation; we must learn how to practice reconciliation in our everyday lives—within ourselves and our families, and in our communities, governments, places of worship, schools, and workplaces.” (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015). Many Indigenous Veterans hoped that after returning from service the unequal treatment they received prior to war would be gone, but sadly it was not. More than 7000 First Nations served in the First and Second World Wars and we must honor their contributions.