Indigenous Veterans Day Facts: November 8 History & Meaning

Indigenous Veterans Day is observed every year on November 8 in Canada. It honours First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans and service members, recognizing their service, courage and sacrifice across wars, conflicts, peacekeeping and military service.

Veterans Affairs Canada estimates that more than 12,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people served in the major conflicts of the 20th century, with at least 500 losing their lives.

Indigenous Veterans Day Facts

• Date: November 8 every year.
• Purpose: to specifically recognize the contributions and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans.
• 20th-century service: more than 12,000 Indigenous people are estimated to have served in major conflicts of the 20th century.
• First World War: more than 4,000 Indigenous people served in uniform.
• Second World War: more than 3,000 First Nations people served, along with Métis and Inuit recruits whose full numbers are harder to document.
• Remembrance Day: Indigenous Veterans Day is November 8; Remembrance Day follows on November 11.

Why Indigenous Veterans Day Matters

The day is about more than military history. Many Indigenous Veterans served a country that did not treat them equally at home. Some returned to discrimination, barriers to benefits and continuing colonial policies. Remembering their service means recognizing both their contribution and the unequal treatment many faced afterward.

Notable Indigenous Veterans in Canada

Tommy Prince

Tommy Prince of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation served during the Second World War and Korean War and became one of Canada’s best-known Indigenous Veterans.

Henry Louis Norwest

Henry Louis Norwest, a Métis soldier from Alberta, became a highly regarded sniper during the First World War and received the Military Medal and bar.

Indigenous Veterans Day vs. Remembrance Day

November 8 specifically honours Indigenous Veterans. November 11 is Remembrance Day, which honours Canadians who served and sacrificed in war, conflict and peace.

Learn More

Read our complete Indigenous Veterans Day 2026 guide for stories, history and remembrance ideas.

Teaching this in a classroom? See our Indigenous Veterans Day activities for schools.

Explore the Indigenous Veterans Day Resource Hub

• Indigenous Veterans Day 2026 guide
• Indigenous Veterans Day facts
• school activities and lesson ideas
• messages and remembrance wording
• notable Indigenous Veterans in Canada
• ceremony ideas for November 8
• Indigenous Veterans Day vs. Remembrance Day