Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day: Ways to remember

Every day, Georgian remembers

We remember all veterans who’ve served and those who’ve returned home injured. We keep them close to our hearts.

We remember our Canadian soldiers and members of the army, air force, 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

Beaded red and black poppies laying on a brown fur piece. — *Photo courtesy of Ashley Lacourciere*. These poppies — specially made to honour Indigenous veterans — are beaded by Ashley Lacourciere, a Georgian employee. Ashley is of Cree and Ojibway heritage with European ancestry from Taykwa Tagamou Nation. Explore more of Ashley’s designs on Instagram @onizhishin.designs.

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.  First Nation, Metis and Inuit people  have served in every conflict that Canada has fought including the War of 1812, First World War, Second World War, the Korean War, and in Afghanistan.

This day honours the soldiers who volunteered, fought for freedom and for many lost their lives during war, but also serves to educate the public about the inequitable veteran benefits and rights of returning First Nation, Metis and Inuit service men and women.

So, how can you honour Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8 and beyond?

Visit resource tables on campus

Stop by your campus to learn more and have conversations about Indigenous Veterans Day.

Barrie – A display will be set up in room M137, the Wiidookdaading Resource Centre.

Midland – A display will be set up in the Indigenous Resource Centre.

Muskoka – Indigenous veterans’ profiles will be displayed across the campus. 

Orangeville – Indigenous veterans’ profiles will be displayed across the campus. 

Orillia – Indigenous veterans’ profiles will be displayed across the campus. 

Owen Sound – A display will be set up in front of the Indigenous Resource Centre.

South Georgian Bay – Indigenous veterans’ profiles will be displayed across the campus.

Watch:

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

A soldier wearing blue, standing at the Georgian College Cenotaph, bowing his head in a moment of silence.

Pause at 11 a.m.

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

Attend a local ceremony

Visit your municipality’s website to find out if they’re hosting a ceremony near you.

Attend an event or ceremony on campus

Veterans’ Week activities take place from Nov. 5 to 11 unless otherwise indicated and Remembrance Day ceremonies are on Nov. 11.

Barrie Campus

Veterans’ Week – a resource table, including a poppy box, will be set up outside K241. Resources will include Remembrance Day paraphernalia and highlights of a soldier who was lost in combat. On Nov. 6 and 7, military members will visit campus to talk about their military experiences with students. 
Remembrance Day ceremony – beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the cenotaph outside of the Student Services Centre (C building). Please note Barrie Transit buses will be re-routed between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and noon. The pick-up/drop-off location will be along Georgian Drive near the college entrance.

Midland Campus

Veterans’ Week – a resource table, including a poppy box, will be set up in the foyer.

Remembrance Day ceremony – at 11 a.m. the flag will be lowered and a moment of silence will be observed.

Muskoka Campus

Veterans’ Week – a resource table, including a poppy box, will be set up in the foyer, and profiles of military personnel from the Afghanistan War will be on display throughout the campus.

Remembrance Day – at 11 a.m. the campus will observe a moment of silence. The campus community is encouraged to attend the Town of Bracebridge Remembrance Day ceremony at Memorial Park.

Orillia Campus

Veterans’ Week – a resource table, including a poppy box, will be set up in the cafeteria. Military personnel will be at the table at various times to share their experiences and answer questions. In addition, profiles of military personnel will be hung around campus and the GCSA bulletin board in A-wing will feature profiles of military personnel from the Afghanistan War.  
Remembrance Day ceremony – beginning at 10:50 a.m. at the cenotaph, hosted by the Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA). Please note, the Orillia Transit and Linx buses will be re-routed between 10 a.m. and noon. The pick-up/drop-off location will be along Memorial Avenue near the college entrance.

Orangeville Campus

Veterans’ Week – a resource table will be set up in the main hallway.
Remembrance Day ceremony – at 11 a.m., the flag will be lowered and a moment of silence will be observed. In addition, the campus will lay a wreath at the Town of Orangeville’s ceremony.

Owen Sound Campus

Veterans’ Week – a resource table will be set up inside the main entrance of the campus. On Nov. 6 and 7, military members will visit the campus to talk about their experiences.
Remembrance Day ceremony – beginning at 10:45 a.m. in front of the campus.

South Georgian Bay Campus

Veterans’ Week – a resource table, including a poppy box, will be set up in the foyer and profiles of military personnel will be on display throughout the campus. There will also be an Afghanistan War display.
Remembrance Day ceremony – at 11 a.m. the flag will be lowered and a moment of silence will be observed. In addition, the campus will lay a wreath at the Town of Collingwood’s ceremony.

Other ways to support and learn more

A field of red poppies with a sunrise in the background.

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.

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.

Military connected college

Did you know Georgian is a military connected college? This means Georgian is committed to providing military-connected learners – including those currently serving, veterans and their family members – with an exceptional college education, coupled with funding, academic, social and mental health supports to thrive and succeed.

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

Learn about Georgian’s Military Veterans’ Club

This post was originally published in November 2022 and updated on Oct. 25, 2024

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