"Veterans and loved ones gathered at the Spirit Garden outside Toronto's city hall on Saturday for a ceremony honouring Indigenous veterans. With beaded poppies, music and sacred offerings, about 100 attendees paid homage to the lives lost in service. Indigenous Veterans Day was first commemorated in 1994 and is celebrated across the country on Nov. 8. Rob Baskey, senator for the Metis Nation of Ontario Veterans Council, said Indigenous Veterans Day honours Indigenous members of the military, but also remembers the injustice they faced."
"The way it started was, some Mohawk warriors weren't allowed to lay a wreath at the cenotaph, Baskey said. Baskey, who was deployed to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in 2012, carried the eagle staff in Saturday's ceremony. He said the red panel on the staff is a physical representation of the bloodshed of the Metis who served. There are also three sets of 11 eagle feathers on the staff that represent the 11th hour of the 11th day, said Baskey."
"Jennifer Hammond has attended the ceremony every year for the last five years. Hammond's grandfather was in residential school at the time of the Korean war. When he was a teenager, he enlisted to escape. She said attending the ceremony is away for her to recognize his contributions and sacrifice. WATCH | Indigenous Veterans Day officially marked in Manitoba: Indigenous Veterans Day has been acknowledged in Manitoba for more than three decades, but this year is the first time it will be officially marked. CBC's Gavin Axelrod brings more."
About 100 people gathered at the Spirit Garden outside Toronto city hall for a ceremony honoring Indigenous veterans with beaded poppies, music and sacred offerings. Indigenous Veterans Day, observed on Nov. 8 since 1994, recognizes Indigenous military service and the injustices faced by Indigenous service members. Rob Baskey carried an eagle staff whose red panel symbolizes Metis bloodshed and whose feathers represent the 11th hour of the 11th day. Attendees shared personal stories, including families affected by residential schools and veterans' PTSD. The mayor attended and emphasized the courage and contributions of Indigenous veterans.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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