Photo credit: Toronto Today
Toronto marked Indigenous Veterans Day on Sunday with a ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square honouring the service and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, Metis and non-status Indigenous veterans.
Toronto Today reports that the gathering took place at the Spirit Garden outside City Hall, where participants took part in a sacred fire ceremony, traditional teachings, a jingle dress dance and tributes to Indigenous veterans.
Young Spiritual Elder Noodjmowin led the fire ceremony, sharing teachings about the connection between the living, their ancestors and the sacrifices of Indigenous warriors and veterans.
“We light this sacred fire to remember the hearts of our men and women, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and to honour these brave warriors who fell in battle while defending the land for future generations,” he said.
Noodjmowin also spoke about the spiritual significance of the sacred fire and its role in preserving the memory of those who have died.
“The sacred fire represents the heart of the living and our connection to those resting at the western door with our ancestors, He said.
Mayor Olvia Chow attended the ceremony, reflecting on the importance of remembering those who served and the responsibility to future generations.
“Thank you for reminding us to be grateful, to remember, to never forget the bravery, the courage, the sacrifices and the responsibility we have to the future generations,” Chow said.
Noodjmowin also reflected on the long history of Indigenous military service, from the role of Indigenous warriors in defending Upper Canada during the War of 1812 to those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and the Gulf War.
He also shared his family’s military history of Indigenous military service, from the role of Indigenous warriors in defending Upper Canada during the War of 1812 to those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and the Gulf War.
“Life goes on because of the sacrifices of those who responded to the call to defend our freedom and justice,” he said.
Observed annually on Nov. 8, Indigenous Veterans Day recognizes Indigenous people who served in Canada’s military, including during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and subsequent conflicts.
