NAN to Honour Fallen Warriors on Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day

THUNDER BAY, ON: Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council will honour the contributions of Indigenous veterans on Indigenous Veterans Day, today and during Remembrance Day ceremonies across northwestern Ontario on Friday.

“This week we honour all our warriors who have come to the defence of Turtle Island in world wars and conflicts across the globe. We honour the sacrifice of all those who have fallen in battle, and we are thankful for those who continue to serve today,” said Grand Chief Derek Fox. “We are proud of our many members who continue this proud tradition of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Rangers, and police services across our Nations. We encourage everyone to take time to honour veterans, and those who continue to serve. We ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”

The Executive Council will participate in the following Remembrance Day (November 11) services:

• Grand Chief Derek Fox will carry the NAN Veterans Eagle Staff and lay a wreath at the Mount McKay cenotaph at Fort William First Nation.
• Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse will lay a wreath at Waverly Park in Thunder Bay.
• Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum will observe Remembrance Day in Fort Albany First Nation.
• Deputy Grand Chief Victor Linklater will observe Remembrance Day in Toronto.

The NAN Veteran’s Eagle Staff was created in 2017, by families and communities from across NAN territory to honour our warriors. The Staff includes seven eagle feathers, each representing one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

The NAN Veterans Flag was adopted in 2009 to honour the significant contributions of NAN veterans in defence of Canada’s freedom and democracy. The Goose and the Bear, along with the Eagle Staff, signify the connection that First Nations people have with Mother Nature, all living things, our culture, and our traditions. The Eagle Staff is a symbol of unity – there is unity within our people and our Veterans have demonstrated that there can be unity with Canada, North America and the World.