Clarington Mayor Recognizes Indigenous Veterans Day

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster has issued a statement in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day. The day is observed to honor First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans who have served in Canada's military. Mayor Foster highlighted the historical exclusion of Indigenous veterans from Remembrance Day observances until 1995, when they were first allowed to lay wreaths at the National War Memorial.

Approximately 7,000 First Nations individuals, along with an unknown number of Métis, Inuit, and non-Status men and women, served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. Mayor Foster emphasized the importance of recognizing their sacrifices, especially in the context of ongoing efforts towards Truth and Reconciliation.

The statement acknowledges the resilience, courage, and significant contributions of Indigenous veterans to the nation, urging that their sacrifices should not be forgotten.