Indigenous Veterans Day

On November 8, Indigenous Veterans Day, the City of Toronto joins all Canadians in paying tribute to the contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples to military service, particularly in the First World War, Second World War, Korean War and peacekeeping efforts around the world. We honour their service and sacrifice.

A ceremony for Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony takes place Saturday, November 8 at 10:00am in the Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City Hall (100 Queen Street West). Please visit the City's website to learn more.

Indigenous peoples have served in times of war and peace for more than 200 years since the War of 1812 to Afghanistan. Learn more about Lieutenant Brant and Maxwell King from the City’s Treaty Partner the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Tom Longboat from Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mathew Solomon Mandawoub from Saugeen First Nation.

It is estimated that more than 7,000 Indigenous people served in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War. Some estimates indicate that up to 12,000 may have served in the Canadian Forces in the past century. While proudly serving in uniform, Indigenous veterans’ service was often not well appreciated and they were subject to discriminatory practices.

Many Indigenous people continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces in Canada and on military and peacekeeping operations around the world. They continue to uphold the proud legacy of service of past generations.