National Indigenous Veterans Day was held in official collaboration, for the first time, between Prince George’s Legion Branch #43 and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation on Sunday November 8th, 2026 to honour the bravery of indigenous veterans, and acknowledge the injustices they faced despite their sacrifices. Photo Credit - Ian Gregg

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43 officially partnered with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation to host Indigenous Veterans Day together for the first time this November 8th, 2026. Two years ago they put together a small ceremony, but this time the event was official with both parties looking forward to the future as Legion President Ken Pendergrast noted, “I’m very hopeful that we can build on this, and I look forward to a similar type of an opportunity in 2027.”

Community members took turns at the podium to share history and stories of not only indigenous participation in Canada's global conflicts, but how this participation has affected the community and people in it. One elder, Marcel Gagnon, shared an anecdote of his father being enfranchised when he volunteered. This circumstance, where many indigenous volunteers in the war effort were misled by Indian Agents to relinquish their treaty rights & status through the enfranchisement process, was not uncommon. The complicated legacy left behind by these, and other factors relating to Canada’s involvement in global conflicts, continues to affect people in the present day. Fortunately, supports and resources have emerged over the decades. To support healing, Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan advocated for anyone to reach out to a fellow person and simply talk, “I really encourage people to go and… lighten their souls.”

- Ian Gregg, CFURadio 88.7FM, Due North News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The term “Indian” has been used in this story for historical accuracy.

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