Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day: Ways to remember
Nov. 3, 2026
Every day, Georgian remembers
We remember and honour all Veterans who have served Canada.
We remember and honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces and acknowledge their courage, service and sacrifice.
We remember those who continue to serve Canada at home and around the world, and we recognize the families and loved ones who support them.
We remember the losses experienced by individuals, families and communities, many of which continue to be deeply felt.
We remain grateful for the service and contributions of all those who have served, and those who continue to serve today, including many members of our college community.
We choose never to forget.
Ways to honour Indigenous Veterans Day: Nov. 8
National Indigenous Veterans Day is an important day of remembrance that honours the contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who participated in Canada’s military efforts. First Nation, Métis and Inuit people have served in every conflict that Canada has fought including the War of 1812, First World War, Second World War, the Korean War, and in Afghanistan. Indigenous peoples have consistently stepped forward to defend Canada, often volunteering in large numbers despite not being conscripted.
This day honors the Indigenous men and women who volunteered and fought bravely for freedom and democracy – values they themselves were denied upon their return to Canada. Indigenous veterans returned home to find they were denied the same benefits and respect afforded to non-Indigenous veterans. This day acknowledges those injustices and seeks to correct the historical record.
This day especially commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives in the fight for the rights and freedoms of others.
Learn more about Indigenous Veterans Day
Watch:
Read:
- Beyond Remembrance: The meaning of Indigenous Veterans Day
- Indigenous Veterans: They Fought for Freedom, Democracy, and an Equality ‘They Could Never Share’
- 14 Facts You May Not Know About the Contributions of Indigenous Veterans
- Indigenous War Heroes: More Than A Few Good Men
Listen:
Podcast Series Sitting by the Fire episode 2: Commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Military Service:
If you ever find yourself in Ottawa, visit the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.
Ways to honour Remembrance Day: Nov. 11
- Pause at 11 a.m. At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, wherever you are, pause for two minutes of silence to reflect and remember.
- Attend a local ceremony. Communities across the region hold Remembrance Day ceremonies. Check your municipality’s website or local Royal Canadian Legion branch for ceremony details.
- Wear a poppy. Wearing a poppy is a simple and meaningful way to honour Canada’s Veterans and those who continue to serve. Poppies will be available across campuses throughout Veterans’ Week. Learn how to wear a poppy.
- Attend an event or ceremony on campus. Veterans’ Week activities take place across Georgian from Nov. 5 to 11, with Remembrance Day observances on Nov. 11.
Barrie Campus
- Veterans’ Week – A Missing Soldier table will be displayed outside of K241. The Royal Canadian Legion will provide poppy donation boxes for distribution on campus.
- Indigenous Veterans Day – In honour of Indigenous Veterans Day, on Nov. 9, the Indigenous Services and Military Connected teams are supporting a guest lecturer, Indigenous Veteran Dan Doctor (Six Nations of the Grand River) from 2:15 to 3 p.m. in K215.
- Remembrance Day – Ceremony begins at 10:40 a.m. at the cenotaph outside of the Student Services Centre (C building).
Midland Campus
- Veterans’ Week – A Missing Soldier table will be set up on campus, along with other resources.
- Remembrance Day – The campus will observe Remembrance Day with the lowering of the flag and two minutes of silence.
Orangeville Campus
- Veterans’ Week – A Missing Soldier table will be set up along with other resources and information.
- Remembrance Day – The campus will observe Remembrance Day with the lowering of the flag and two minutes of silence. Students and employees are also encouraged to attend the Town of Orangeville’s ceremony.
Owen Sound Campus
- Veterans’ Week – A Missing Soldier table will be set up along with other resources and information.
- Remembrance Day – Ceremony starts at 10:45 a.m. at the flag poles by the main entrance.
Other ways to support and learn more
- Support local legions. Join the Royal Canadian Legion. Not only will you support veterans who have served our country, you’ll also receive a magazine with articles about Canada’s military history and current efforts to modernize the forces. You can also shop at the Poppy Store for lots of great merchandise.
- Listen to the Faces of Freedom Podcast. Explore stories of fellow Canadians, many of whom volunteered to defend our freedom.
- Find out if anyone in your family previously served. Inquire with other family members – ask questions and listen to stories. You could also look through old photos, keepsake boxes or family trees.
- If you’re an international student, learn more about your home country’s history of service through online articles.
- Write to our troops. Post an online message to currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Military-connected college
Did you know Georgian is a military-connected college? Georgian is committed to supporting military-connected learners, including currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families, as they pursue their education.
The Military-Connected Campus team can help learners explore Georgian programs, navigate available services and connect with academic, financial, wellness and other supports throughout their Georgian journey.
This post was originally published in November 2022 and updated on Nov. 3, 2026