Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - November 9 2024 - Canada honored its First Nations, Inuit, and Métis service members on Indigenous Veterans Day.

Currently, over 5,000 Indigenous people are active or reserve members in the Canadian Armed Forces, with 735 of them being Albertan.

Indigenous soldiers have faced challenges such as leaving their families, learning a new language, and being put in dangerous situations.

They have brought unique skills, perspectives, and cultural knowledge to their roles, enriching Canada's military. Famous soldiers include Albertan Henry Louis Norwest, a divisional sniper, and Métis and Inuit recruits during the Second World War.

However, Indigenous veterans were often treated unfairly upon returning home, with many hoping their wartime service would increase their rights in Canadian society.

Around 2,900 Indigenous veterans live in Alberta.