The Legislative Assembly of Alberta held a ceremony in the Alberta Legislature rotunda on Wednesday to commemorate Indigenous Veteran’s Day, which saw words offered from Elder Francis Whiskeyjack, Premier Danielle Smith, Opposition Leader Rachel Notley and many more.
Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, offered his remarks by sharing that approximately 12,000 Indigenous people fought for Canada in various conflicts, with many never returning home.
“Those thousands of veterans didn’t think about themselves, they thought of only protecting their homes, their families, their freedoms, that we enjoy today. They fought because they felt it was their duty to their fellow man, and to their country,” Cooper said.
Dignitaries from the Government of Alberta in the Alberta Legislature rotunda recognizing Indigenous Veterans Day. Photo by Ryan Hunt.
At Edmonton’s City Hall, an event was held to recognize Indigenous veterans as well. The event saw Mayor Amarjeet Sohi make an official proclamation: Nov. 8 will be recognized as Indigenous Veterans Day in Edmonton.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe and the Treaty 6 Confederacy attended the event and spoke to Windspeaker Radio Network about the proclamation, saying “it’s a good start.”
“This day shouldn’t be separate from any other Remembrance Day. If it is going to be separate, then it should be [done] to how we recognize the work, and the warriors that fought. The way I see it, we shouldn’t be separating our veterans that fought in these international wars, it should be inclusive all together,” Bull added.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe and the Treaty 6 Confederacy stands at the podium in Edmonton’s City Hall, offering remarks on the city’s proclamation. Photo by Ryan Hunt.
When it comes to the bigger picture of reconciliation, Bull said that one of the biggest parts in reconciliation is “learning our history.”
“A big part of our history is our involvement, whether it be in the wars, whether it be government or legislation. The wars are something I’ve seen firsthand, especially talking with relatives that have served in the wars. How they served in a field as equals; it didn’t matter what they were, they work for the better common good of human beings and the human species,” Bull added.
City councilors, veterans, dignitaries, and community members alike gather at Edmonton’s City Hall to recognize Indigenous Veterans Day. Photo by Ryan Hunt.
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