Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day: Ways to remember

Nov. 1, 2023

Every day, Georgian remembers

We remember our veterans and those who have returned home injured. We keep them close to our hearts.

We remember our Canadian soldiers and members of the army, airforce 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. Thousands of Indigenous Peoples served in the First World War, Second World War, the Korean War, and other conflicts.

This day honours the soldiers who lost their lives during war but also serves to educate the public about the inequitable veteran benefits and rights of Indigenous survivors.

Additionally, it’s a time to acknowledge the remarkable skills and services contributed by Indigenous Peoples.

So, how can you honour Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8 and beyond?

Visit resource tables on campus

Stop by your campus to learn more and have conversations about Indigenous Veterans Day. A table will be set up with resources from Veteran Affairs Canada, along with poppies and other information on ways to remember.

The Niwiijiiagans (peer mentors) will also be putting together some information posters and a display table outside of the Indigenous Resource Centre at the Barrie Campus on Nov. 8.

Watch:

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 activity

With Remembrance Day 2023 landing on Saturday, Nov. 11, all Georgian College campuses will lower their flags to half-mast on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. and will remain lowered for the entire weekend. All campuses will also be hosting Remembrance Week activities from Nov. 6 to 10.

Barrie Campus

• Remembrance Day resource table
  • Nov. 6 to 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the library (K building)
  • Volunteers from the base will speak with students about their experience in the military.
• Missing Soldier table
  • Nov. 6 to 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in The First Class
  • The table includes several elements that represent the emotions and feelings reserved for those who didn’t return home. All are welcome to visit the table and take a moment to remember the brave soldiers who served.
  • View more information on the significance of the Missing Soldier table.

Orillia Campus

• Poppy boxes will be outside the library, GCSA, Welcome Centre and staff lounge
• Missing Soldier table
  • Nov. 6 to 10 in the cafeteria
• Remembrance Day resource table
  • Nov. 6 to 10 in the cafeteria
  • Two veterans/faculty members will be at the table to speak about their experience in the military.
• Look out for other resources on campus throughout Nov. 6 to 10
  • Military profiles will be posted around campus. Posters will include photos, name, rank and more about their story.
  • Learn about the Afghanistan War. Details will be posted about the memorial, the names of the 150 people who died in Afghanistan, the history of the war and a profile of Pte. Jess Larochelle.

Orangeville Campus

• Remembrance Week table and Missing Soldier table will be set up outside the Student Resource room from Nov. 6 to 10 with a poppy box and other resources.

Owen Sound Campus

• Remembrance Week table and Missing Soldier table will be set up across from the library from Nov. 6 to 10 with learning materials and resources.

South Georgian Bay Campus

• Join a wreath laying at the town ceremony.
• Currently-serving military members will be on campus from Nov. 6 to 10 to speak with classes.
• Remembrance Week table and Missing Soldier table will be set up in the foyer from Nov. 6 to 10, along with a poppy box at the front desk.

Muskoka Campus

• Remembrance Week table and Missing Soldier table will be set up in the student lounge from Nov. 6 to 10 with poppy boxes, a memory jar and other resources.

Midland Campus

• Remembrance Week table and Missing Soldier table will be set up in the foyer from Nov. 6 to 10, along with a poppy box and other resources.

View a PDF with more ways to remember.

Other ways to support and learn more

Did you know?

Georgian has a Military Veterans’ Club. All ex-service and currently serving members at Georgian are invited to connect. Learn more about the club.

This post was originally published in November 2022 and updated on Nov. 1, 2023