Honouring their bravery and dedication: Indigenous veterans have their special day

They come from First Nations communities across Canada, and on Indigenous Veterans Day, Nov. 8, Canadians will have the opportunity to honour their unique contributions and bravery.

Veterans like Francine Young say their military service gave them a chance to improve the world.

"To be part of a larger military community makes you feel that you have contributed and were willing to sacrifice all that you have known to try and make the world a little better for the future generations," said Young, 40, from Bilijk, Kingsclear First Nation, about 13 kilometres west of Fredericton, N.B.

The Wolastoqey woman, who volunteered with the U.S. Army in 2003, was deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 with the 664 Ordnance Company, where she worked as a screener at an entry control point. In 2008, she was transferred to Iraq with the 639 Quartermaster Company.

Enduring mortar fire and blazing hot sandstorms with her team in Afghanistan built lasting bonds, she said: "You're literally trusting somebody else with your life." 

Young hopes Canadians will honour Indigenous Veterans Day just as they do Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. The special day to honour Indigenous soldiers began in 1994.

In an email statement, Veterans Affairs Canada says despite their long service, many First Nation, Métis and Inuit veterans faced racism and systemic barriers on their return to civilian life.

To address those concerns, Veterans Affairs signed a letter of understanding with the Assembly of First Nations this year to direct Indigenous veterans to available resources.

"We will continue to support and recognize First Nations, Métis and Inuit veterans, and contribute to reconciliation," spokesperson Sable Frey wrote in an email.

Young, who retired from the military in 2010, now works as a court support worker, helping community members navigate the judicial system. She credits her military service with building her confidence.

"It takes you from who you used to be and then it rebuilds you, so then you can go out there and you're not afraid to talk," Young said.

She says she signed up with the U.S. Army because her community and family have a long tradition of serving both Canada and the United States, and the army offered her a chance to travel.

Debbie Eisan, an honorary captain of HMCS Margaret Brooke, served 36 years in the Royal Canadian Navy.

"As Indigenous people, we honour our veterans every single time we gather," said Eisan, from Batchewana First Nation, near Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.