NAN Honours Warriors Who Answered the Call

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) honours the service and sacrifice of Indigenous warriors and veterans on Remembrance Day.

More than 12,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people served in Canada’s major 20th-century conflicts. During the First World War, some communities sent nearly every eligible man aged 20 to 35. In the Second World War, Cree speakers helped encode military communications, protecting sensitive information from enemy interception. When these warriors returned home, many were denied the same benefits and land grants given to non-Indigenous veterans. Their sacrifice has never been fully acknowledged.

“Our warriors answered the call when Canada needed them. They fought for freedoms that were not always extended to them or their families back home,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “Today, our communities gather to honour them – to give thanks for their courage and to pray for those who have journeyed to the Spirit World. We remember them. We will continue to fight for the recognition and the rights they were promised.”

Members of the NAN Executive Council will attend the following ceremonies:

• Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler will participate in the service at the Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay) Cenotaph at Fort William First Nation.
• Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum will participate in the ceremony at Waverley Park in Thunder Bay.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa, dedicated on June 21, 2001.

NAN acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice of those who place their lives at risk to protect our communities, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian Rangers, firefighters, medical staff and other first responders.

The NAN Veterans Flag (2009) and NAN Veteran’s Eagle Staff (2017) honour the significant contributions of NAN veterans in defence of Canada’s freedom and democracy. The Eagle Staff, created by families and communities from across NAN territory, includes seven eagle feathers representing the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca