Lest We Forget Aboriginal Peoples’ sacrifices for Canada – The Independent News

Oftentimes Remembrance Day ceremonies pass without mention of the Aboriginal Peoples who served a country that was undeniably disrespectful to them in return.

It’s Veteran’s Day, and it’s important that we remember all people who put their lives on the line for Canada — including those who are often forgotten in mainstream Remembrance Day observances. How often do you hear about the Aboriginal veterans of Newfoundland and Labrador?

In Ottawa stands the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, unveiled on National Aboriginal Day in 2001 to honour those who who survived Canadian military operations and became veterans, as well as those who didn’t live to see home again. This includes the Inuit of Labrador (Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut), the Innu of Labrador (Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, formerly Davis Inlet), and the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland (Miawpukek and Qalipu).

According to Veterans Affairs Canada, “more than 7,000 Indians served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War, and an unknown number of Inuit, Métis and non-status Indians also participated.”

Read More: http://theindependent.ca/2015/11/11/lest-we-forget-aboriginal-peoples-sacrifices-for-canada/