Dozens gathered on Monday morning to celebrate the lives of Indigenous veterans during the special ceremony for Indigenous Veterans Day at the Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre on Monday.
“I’m very happy to be here today. There are many Indigenous veterans that have passed on and we’ve been remembering them each year, November 8th. We remember how much they’ve done for us and the sacrifices they’ve made. We will never forget them,” he adds.
Chalifoux adds that it’s important for people to not only take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies but to educate ourselves and each other on the battles and wars Indigenous veterans took part in. Chalifoux says he’d like to see a program started that educates people, especially younger people on just that.
A special plaque was also unveiled on behalf of ANAVETS Unit 389 for the donation of their land to the Canadian Motorcycle Tourist Association for the Veterans Memorial Gardens.