Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day: Ways to remember
Oct. 29, 2025
Every day, Georgian remembers
We remember all veterans who’ve served and those who’ve returned home injured. We keep them close to our hearts.
We remember our Canadian soldiers and members of the army, air force, navy and merchant marines. We acknowledge their bravery, courage and ultimate sacrifice – giving their lives for our freedom.
We remember the people who currently serve Canada both here and overseas. We think often of them, their families and loved ones.
We remember our own personal and community losses – losses that, for many, remain deep.
We continue to be grateful and ever mindful of the service and contributions others have made – and continue to make – to Canada.
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.
So, how can you honour Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8 and beyond?
- Visit resource tables at the Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound campuses to learn more and have conversations about Indigenous Veterans Day.
- Stop by the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centres at the Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound campuses to see an Indigenous-focused Missing Soldiers table.
- Indigenous Veterans pins and beaded poppies will also be available at the centres.
Watch:
Read:
- 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
Visit your municipality’s website to find out if they’re hosting a ceremony near you.
Attend an event or ceremony on campus
Veterans’ Week activities take place from Nov. 5 to 11 unless otherwise indicated and Remembrance Day ceremonies are on Nov. 11.
Barrie Campus
- Veterans’ Week
- Visit the Canadian Armed Forces information table to speak with serving members on campus Nov. 5 and 6 in the library foyer (K building, ground floor) and Nov. 7 in the cafeteria area (C building, second floor).
- As part of Veterans’ Week, a Missing Soldier table will also b displayed outside of K241.
- The Royal Canadian Legion will provide poppy donation boxes for distribution on campus.
- Remembrance Day ceremony – beginning at 10:40 a.m. at the cenotaph outside of the Student Services Centre (C building).
Midland Campus
- Veterans’ Week – Resources and Missing Soldier table will be set up on campus.
- Remembrance Day ceremony – at 11 a.m. there will be a moment of silence in the main foyer.
Muskoka Campus
- Veterans’ Week – Missing Soldier table and other resources will be available on behalf of Veteran’s Affairs Canada.
- Remembrance Day – at 11 a.m. the campus will observe a moment of silence and flag will be lowered outside at the flagpoles.
Orillia Campus
- Veterans’ Week – a Missing Soldier table will be set up.
- Remembrance Day ceremony – beginning at 10:50 a.m., outside at the cenotaph.
Orangeville Campus
- Veterans’ Week – a Missing Soldier table will be set up along with other resources and information.
- Remembrance Day ceremony – Students and employees are encouraged to attend the Town of Orangeville’s ceremony.
Owen Sound Campus
- Veterans’ Week – a Missing Soldier table will be set up.
- Remembrance Day ceremony – Flags will be lowered outside at the flagpoles at 11 a.m. along with wreath laying.
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.
- Shop the Poppy Store for lots of great merchandise, or purchase a Georgian Military-Connected Campus sweatshirt.
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: Search for and read articles online.
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? This means Georgian is committed to providing military-connected learners – including those currently serving, veterans and their family members – with an exceptional college education, coupled with funding, academic, social and mental health supports to thrive and succeed.
Georgian also has a Military Veterans’ Club. All ex-service and currently serving members at Georgian are invited to connect.
This post was originally published in November 2022 and updated on Oct. 29, 2025