Overview
- Canadians held Nov. 8 ceremonies across the country, as federal ministers issued a joint statement honoring First Nations, Inuit and Métis service members and noting an estimated 12,000 Indigenous people served in major 20th‑century conflicts.
- Manitoba enacted Bill 210 designating Nov. 8 in law and marked the first official provincial observance with a powwow at Sgt. Tommy Prince Place, supported by $20,000 in provincial funding.
- Veterans and organizers emphasized longstanding inequities after service, citing denied benefits under programs such as the Soldier Settlement Act and Veteran Land Act and unequal recognition at home.
- The Last Post Fund’s Indigenous Veterans Initiative reported more than 265 grave markers placed for previously unrecognized Indigenous veterans since launching in 2019, with community researchers continuing the work.
- The Department of National Defence authorized Indigenous‑crafted poppies for Canadian Armed Forces uniforms, while Indigenous‑led programs in Manitoba partnered with 17 Wing Winnipeg to offer culturally grounded supports.