Georgian marks Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day 2021

Every day, Georgian remembers.

We remember our veterans and those who have returned home injured. We keep them close to our hearts.

We remember our Canadian soldiers and members of the army, airforce navy and merchant marines. We acknowledge their bravery, courage and ultimate sacrifice – giving their lives for our freedom.

We remember the people who currently serve Canada both here and overseas. We think often of them, their families and loved ones.

We remember our own personal and community losses – losses that, for many, remain deep.

We continue to be grateful and ever mindful of the service and contributions others have made – and continue to make – to Canada.

We choose never to forget.

Ways to honour Indigenous Veterans Day Nov. 8

National Indigenous Veterans Day is an important day of remembrance that honours the contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people who participated in Canada’s military efforts. Thousands of Indigenous Peoples served in the First World War, Second World War, the Korean War, and other conflicts.

Four beaded poppies handmade for Indigenous Veterans Day

National Indigenous Veterans Day honours the soldiers who lost their lives during war but also serves to educate the public about the inequitable veteran benefits and rights of Indigenous survivors.

Additionally, it’s a time to acknowledge the remarkable skills and services contributed by Indigenous Peoples.

These poppies — specially made to honour Indigenous veterans — are beaded by Ashley Lacourciere, a Georgian employee. Ashley is of Cree and Ojibway descent and is from Taykwa Tagamou Nation. Check out more of Ashley’s designs on Instagram @onizhishin.designs.

Here are a few things you can do to honour Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8 and beyond.

Watch:

Remembrance Moments: Canada’s Indigenous Veterans

Heroes Remember: Indigenous Veterans

Aboriginal Veterans Day: Honouring the Thousands Who Are Under Recognized

Read:

Listen:

Podcast Series Sitting by the Fire episode 2: Commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Military Service:

If you ever find yourself in Ottawa, visit the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.

Ways to honour Remembrance Day Nov. 11

Pause wherever you are: At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 pause for two minutes of silence to reflect and remember.

Attend a ceremony:

BARRIE CAMPUS

Member of Honour Guard in blue military uniform stands at Georgian Cenotaph in snow, head down

Meet at the Georgian Cenotaph (outside Student Services Centre, C building) by 10:45 a.m. The ceremony will start promptly at 10:50 a.m.
Poppies will be available by donation.
From approximately 7:30 a.m. to noon, city and county buses will be temporarily re-rerouted for pick up and drop off. They’ll enter off Georgian Drive as usual, turn back at the first roundabout, and drop off and pick up passengers before exiting Governors Drive.

Map showing where buses are being temporarily rerouted — *Temporary bus re-routing in Barrie*

ORILLIA CAMPUS: Meet at the cenotaph at the front of the campus at 10:50 a.m.

OWEN SOUND CAMPUS: Meet at the flagpoles at the front of the campus at 10:50 a.m.

Note: Anyone entering a building for any reason (e.g., to warm up or use the washroom) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof. Learn more.

Watch via livestream: The Barrie Campus ceremony will be livestreamed on Instagram; tune in starting at approx. 10:50 a.m. Go to Instagram.com/georgiancollege. Click on our profile picture to watch live.

Support local legions: Make a donation or visit the Poppy Store to purchase a commemorative item.

Listen to the Faces of Freedom Podcast: Explore stories of fellow Canadians, many of whom volunteered to defend our freedom.

Learn more about Remembrance Day:

Find out if anyone in your family previously served: Inquire with other family members – ask questions and listen to stories. You could also look through old photos, keepsake boxes or family trees.

If you’re an international student, learn more about your home country’s history of service: Search for and read articles online.

Write to our troops: Post an online message to currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Stock image from pexels.com of a field of poppies with sun setting behind it

Did you know?

Georgian has a Military Veterans’ Club. All ex-service and currently serving members at Georgian are invited to connect. Learn more.

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