An emotional time as Corner Brook marked its' first Indigenous veterans day

Event organizer Greg Janes, a veteran living in Corner Brook, says it was an emotional time. “Indigenous veterans were always treated differently than others when they came home, they were equal on the battlefield ,” he says. “It’s time for reflection and remembrance of the challenges Indigenous veterans face. 

Upwards of 100 people gathered at the cenotaph in Corner Brook yesterday as part of the first National Indigenous Veterans day recognized here. Indigenous soldiers enlisted for the first time during the War of 1812. The first Indigenous Veterans Day was held in Manitoba in 1994. Sadly, it wasn’t until the 1990’s that family members were permitted to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Event organizer Greg Janes, a veteran living in Corner Brook, says it was an emotional time. “Indigenous veterans were always treated differently than others when they came home, they were equal on the battlefield ,” he says. “It’s time for reflection and remembrance of the challenges Indigenous veterans face. 

Qalipu First Nations Chief Brendan Mitchell says the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women were there drumming and the Spirit Bay Drumming group from Stephenville Crossing. He says this is an important day for Corner Brook. “This is a First time for this in Corner Brook,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity to honour veterans and say Thank you. 

Humber Bay of Islands MHA Eddie Joyce says Indigenous soldiers have made a significant contribution to NL and Canada. “History is unbelievable in the Bay of Islands and Corner Brook area which has the largest percentage of Indigenous people,” he says. “People want to recognize their cultures and forefathers.”

Tomorrow at Grenfell Campus, there will be a remembrance event at the Danger Tree starting at 10 a.m.