Indigenous veterans day is a time to pause and recognize the contributions that Aboriginal people made to protect Canada and Canadian values.

Westbank First Nation hosted a ceremony on Nov. 8, to celebrate Indigenous veterans and to share the story of how racism overshadowed the achievements of the brave men who fought for their country.

It is important to recognize that in addition to risking their life, Indigenous people who fought in the First and Second World Wars were stripped of their Indian Status, said Jordan Coble, member of council for Westbank First Nation.

Despite the fact that they lost their identity, 99 per cent of eligible men in the Okanagan Indian Band enlisted in the fight, because they believed in the cause, said Coble.

sa国际传媒淚t made for a very complicated homecoming,sa国际传媒� said Coble. sa国际传媒淵ousa国际传媒檙e coming home to a community that is no longer your own.sa国际传媒�

Coble explained that as a non-status Indian, people felt disconnected from their Indigenous community while not being accepted by colonizers.

READ MORE: Premier remembers Indigenous Okanagan veteran who served two wars

Feeling disconnected from society contributed to inter-generational traumas that impact Indigenous people today, said Coble.

sa国际传媒淲esa国际传媒檙e not here to garner sympathysa国际传媒� wesa国际传媒檙e here to share our story.sa国际传媒�

He explained that on the journey of Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous communities are at the stage of sharing truths, and people need to listen and learn.

sa国际传媒淓veryone needs to understand that listening is the most important tool that we have. sa国际传媒�

Coble said that people need to embrace the true history of Canada, even though it is not all pleasant.

READ MORE: Indigenous Veterans Day: Kelowna student honours ancestors in writing

Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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