Indigenous Veterans Day is observed on November 8. A thoughtful ceremony can honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans by centring real Veteran stories, remembrance and local guidance rather than using generic or invented cultural elements.
Simple Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony Format
- Welcome and purpose: explain why everyone has gathered and why November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day.
- Local acknowledgement: recognize the Indigenous Nations and communities connected to the place where the gathering is happening.
- Veteran story: share the story of one or more Indigenous Veterans, naming their Nation or community where known.
- Reflection: recognize both military service and the unequal treatment many Indigenous Veterans faced after returning home.
- Moment of silence: pause in remembrance.
- Closing words: encourage people to continue learning the names and stories of Indigenous Veterans.
Ideas for Schools
Students can read short Veteran profiles, display remembrance projects, introduce a Veteran’s story, participate in a moment of silence and reflect on what they learned. Avoid adding ceremonies, songs or cultural practices unless they are being led or approved by appropriate local people.
Ideas for Workplaces
A workplace gathering can include a short learning segment, a Veteran profile, a moment of silence and a resource list employees can explore afterward. Keep the focus on remembrance and learning rather than turning the observance into a branding exercise.
Ideas for Community Events
Where possible, involve local Indigenous Veterans, families, Nations, Métis communities or Veteran organizations in planning. Local voices should shape local remembrance.
What to Avoid
- Inventing Indigenous protocol or ceremony.
- Using songs, medicines or cultural practices without appropriate guidance.
- Treating all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans as one culture.
- Making the event primarily about the host organization rather than the Veterans being honoured.
- Using inaccurate quotes or unattributed social-media sayings as if they came from Indigenous Veterans.
Resources for Your Ceremony
- Indigenous Veterans Day messages and remembrance wording
- Notable Indigenous Veterans in Canada
- Complete Indigenous Veterans Day guide
