Indigenous service members, veterans honoured at reconciliation event in Winnipeg

'Our veterans served with courage, commitment and a great sacrifice,' says SCO Grand Chief

Indigenous veterans and military service members gathered at a Winnipeg military base alongside community leaders, politicians and dignitaries for a reconciliation event focusing on relationship building and honouring First Nations, Métis and Inuit servicepeople.

Some wore camouflage ribbon shirts and beaded medallions as an eagle staff and flags were held high during the event's grand entry at 17 Wing/CFB Winnipeg on Saturday morning.

The Southern Chiefs' Organization, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Manitoba Inuit Association partnered to put on the event — held one day ahead of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Attendees included SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, MMF Vice-President Andrew Carrier, Manitoba's Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville, Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, Waverley MLA David Pankratz, and others.

Minister Rebecca Chartrand said both of her grandfathers served in World War II — one of whom lost an arm during the conflict.

"In times of global conflict, Indigenous peoples historically have not hesitated. They volunteered, they served, they stepped up, they defended this land with courage and loyalty," Chartrand said.

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The minister, who represents Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, called the event's military aircraft flypast a "powerful honour to Indigenous people."

SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said First Nations people "have always answered the call to serve," even when their contributions went unrecognized.

"Many served this country while their own rights, freedoms and families were not treated with the same dignity and fairness that they deserved. Many returned home to discrimination, barriers, lack of proper recognition and support," Daniels said. "That history must be acknowledged. More importantly, it must be continued to be addressed."

"Our veterans served with courage, commitment and a great sacrifice," he said.

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Justin Woodcock, who manages SCO's veterans program, said Saturday's event was an important opportunity to build bridges between Canada's military and Indigenous communities, while giving Indigenous service members a space to celebrate both parts of their identity.

"When you can feel comfortable in being who you are on base, it makes you more effective at your job," said Woodcock, who served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly a decade.

MMF Veterans Minister Shawn Nault, who served in the military from 1987 to 1995, said his family has a long history of fighting for Canada and the Red River Métis during conflicts — from his ancestors to his daughter.

"Being here, being able to recognize our veterans from past and present, and those that are still serving, is a great honour," he said.