Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day
Georgian marks Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day 2022.
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.
These poppies — specially made to honour Indigenous veterans — are beaded by Ashley Lacourciere, a Georgian employee. Ashley is of Cree and Ojibway descent and is from Taykwa Tagamou Nation. Check out more of Ashley’s designs on Instagram @onizhishin.designs.
So, how can you honour Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8 and beyond?
Attend an event
The Orillia Campus will be hosting an Indigenous Veterans Day Lunch and Learn. Students and employees are welcome to join for a prayer from Nookomis Stephanie Sandy and watch a video on Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow. Enjoy fresh bannock, refreshments and delicious soup from the Den.
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Indigenous Resource Centre (B201)
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.
Pause wherever you are: At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, pause for two minutes of silence to reflect and remember.
Attend a ceremony
Barrie Campus
- Meet at the Georgian Cenotaph (outside Student Services Centre, C building) around 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will start promptly at 10:45 a.m.
- Poppies will be available throughout the Barrie Campus: GSCA, library, Segal International Centre, The First Class and The Last Class, bookstore, HR services, gym, Marketplace cafeteria, office of the Registrar.
- From approximately 7:30 a.m. to noon, city and county buses will be temporarily re-rerouted for pick up and drop off. They’ll enter off Georgian Drive as usual, turn back at the first roundabout, and drop off and pick up passengers before exiting Governors Drive.
Orillia Campus
- Ceremony will be at the Cenotaph (green space across from the bus stop) and will begin at 10:45 a.m.
- Warm refreshments will be provided by The Den following the ceremony.
- A vigil party is also planned. Stay tuned as details are being finalized.
Owen Sound Campus
- Ceremony will begin at 10:55 a.m.
Downtown Barrie location
- Those at the Downtown Barrie location are encouraged to come to the Barrie Campus or ceremony at the City of Barrie Cenotaph.
Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville, and South Georgian Bay Campuses
- Watch the ceremony being livestreamed over Instagram from the Barrie Campus, or attend a local ceremony hosted by the municipality or legion.
Watch via livestream
The Barrie Campus ceremony will be livestreamed on Instagram; tune in starting at approx. 10:45 a.m. Go to Instagram.com/georgiancollege. Click on our profile picture to watch live.
Other ways to support and learn more
Support local legions: Make a donation or visit the Poppy Store to purchase a commemorative item.
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.
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.