In partnership with the Town of Whitby's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Library is hosting a special event on Saturday, November 8 to honour National Indigenous Veteran’s Day.
Chiefs, elders, community members, and dignitaries will gather in Celebration Square from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to honour the courage, contributions, and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans through ceremony, storytelling, and reflection, followed by a poppy making craft.
Elder Tom Cowie of Hiawatha First Nation has provided leadership and guidance to help inform the details for the ceremony. Throughout the hour, there will be opportunities to participate in smudging, song, and Indigenous prayer.
One of the most powerful aspects of the event will be the reading of the veteran’s names.
“There were many Indigenous people who distinguished themselves in the field,” said Elder Tom Cowie. “Johnson Paudash, for example, was awarded the Military Medal for exceptional heroism in saving life during a heavy bombardment. He also provided information that the enemy was massing for a counterattack.”
Although this is the first ceremony of its kind in Durham Region, there is a permanent place of reflection in Ottawa. The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument features a large bronze eagle at its top, with four men and women from different Indigenous groups from across Canada immediately below. A wolf, bear, bison, and caribou—powerful animals that represent spiritual guides which have long been seen by Indigenous cultures as important to military success—look out from each corner.
All are welcome, so please join us at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 8 in Celebration Square at the Central Library for this special event.
For more opportunities to honour veterans this Remembrance Day, visit the Town of Whitby's website.