November 7, 2022
Ey Swayel,
In November, as the air turns cool and we turn our minds to winter, we also take time to reflect on the sacrifice of many people during the wars that Canada has engaged in.
From the war of 1812 to modern day warfare, the people living in this country have stood up and fought with bravery and selflessness. November 11th, Remembrance Day,
we remember those who paid the ultimate price for “our” rights and freedoms on the anniversary of the end of WWII.
There is another day of remembrance though, on November 8th, that few are aware of. This day is dedicated to our Indigenous Veterans, and our colonial history with these
courageous people should make it a day for all to stop and wonder just what “rights and freedoms” these people received for their service.
The stories of our Indigenous Veterans are incredible, both in the horrors that they overcame while abroad as well as in the horrors of the realities they faced when coming “home”,
not to mention the systemic racism they faced during their service.
Could you imagine coming home from service and being told that your legal claim to your heritage and to your family has now been forfeited through enfranchisement?
Not being welcomed into the Legion’s Hall, which was the case until 1951? Not being allowed to vote when you’ve fought and bled for “your” country, until 1960.
How would veterans feel being told they where not welcomed to lay a wreath in memorial of their fallen friends, which was the case until 1995 for Indigenous Veterans?
When learning about how Indigenous Veterans played such strong rolls in Canadian war efforts, and then where treated so shamefully, it is hard to believe how many found ways to serve.
It is equally hard to accept that it took until 1994, in Manitoba, for their contributions to be recognized, and until 2001 for the Federal Government to acknowledge their efforts with a national monument.
In view of how thoroughly they were excluded from most or all veteran activities up until the 90s, the importance of Indigenous Veterans Day is all the clearer.
These were heroes who came home from horrors unknown and had to continue to fight. To fight for access to mental health support, food, water, shelter, pensions, and their communities.
To fight for recognition for all they, and their communities, have done during war efforts. Imagine coming home thinking everything would be better, and instead it was so much worse.
On November 8th, we encourage you to take some time to Remember our Indigenous Veterans. Learn about them. Share their stories.
On November 8th, we encourage you to realize that not all veterans came home to “rights and freedoms”.
On November 8th, join us in reconciliation as we embrace our Indigenous Veterans with our gratitude and love that has been so long absent but is so very much deserved.
In solidarity,
Maggi Davis
FSA-Decolonization, Reconciliation, Indigenization Standing Committee
University of the Fraser Valley
Faculty & Staff Association
33844 King Road
Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8
Building B | Room 377
Direct Tel: 604-854-4530
Toll-Free: 1-888-504-7441 local 4530
Fax: 604-853-9540
[email protected]
www.ufv-fsa.ca
