Indigenous Veteran’s Day
- Nov 8, 2025
- 2 min read
November 8th marks a national day of recognition honoring First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans who answered the call to serve. Remembrance is not selective; it is a commitment to truth. Remembrance is not passive; it is a pledge to act. Over 12,000 Indigenous veterans served, yet their contributions remain underrepresented in Canada’s story. Indigenous veterans exemplified excellence as leaders, marksmen, scouts, snipers, and code talkers, reflecting military distinction and the enduring legacy of traditional knowledge. This November 8th, we invite recognition and learning in honor of the Indigenous veterans whose stories embody resilience, bravery, and service. We encourage everyone to learn more about the thousands of Indigenous veterans, 4 of whom we highlight here:
John Shiwak (Inuit, Rigolet, NL) – The finest marksmen in the Newfoundland Regiment. He fought bravely at Cambrai in 1917, falling near Masnières alongside his comrades.
Edith (Anderson) Monture (Mohawk, Six Nations Grand River, ON) – A nurse and trailblazer, Monture joined the U.S. Medical Corps in 1917, caring for wounded soldiers in France.
David Greyeyes-Steele (Cree, Muskeg Lake First Nation, SK) – Commanded a mortar platoon in Italy, earning the Greek Military Cross, later serving as Chief of Muskeg Lake and as Regional Director of Indian Affairs.
Noel Knockwood (Mi’kmaq, Sipekne’katik First Nation, NS) – A residential school survivor and Korean War veteran who served 413 days overseas, went on to serve as a respected Elder and Sergeant-at-Arms for Nova Scotia.
Service extended beyond the battlefield, as Indigenous communities contributed resources, strengthening Canada’s war efforts. These acts of generosity were received with discrimination, dispossession, theft, and erasure. Indigenous veterans were denied benefits, excluded from voting, and saw reserve lands expropriated. Today, recognize Indigenous veterans, their families, and their communities in gratitude, in recognition, and in truth.
Books & Resources for: grade schoolers
Grandpa’s Girls – by Nicola Campbell, illustrated by Kim Lafave
Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes – by Wab Kinew, illustrated by Joe Morse
The Scout: Tommy Prince – by David A. Robertson
National Aboriginal Veterans Monument Activity
Books & Resources for: Teen and Young Adult
Warriors and Nations: Voices from the Original People – by David A. Robertson
What the Eagle Sees – by Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger
Indigenous Peoples In The World Wars – by Simon Rose
Documentary: Forgotten Warriors – by Loretta Tod
Lesson Plans For Educators & Parents
