Approximately 100 people attended an Aboriginal Veterans Day Celebration Friday at the Westbank First Nation to pay their respects to the Indigenous people who sacrificed their life in wars for the freedom of all Canadians.
The event included remarks from Westbank First Nation Chief Chris Derickson, the singing of the Okanagan Song and Woman香蕉视频直播檚 Warrior Song from 50 Sensisyusten school students and the laying of wreaths for Indigenous people who died or who have passed on from war.
READ MORE: WFN veterans honoured
Chief Derickson said it was important to reflect on those who participated in wars to reflect on what they did for the country.
香蕉视频直播淢en and women have fought bravely in World War One and Two and in other wars around the world to protect the funamental right and freedoms of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike,香蕉视频直播� Derickson said.
香蕉视频直播淔or that, we are forever grateful and we hold a great debt to the men and women in uniform, to those who have worn the uniform, and to those who have fought for our freedoms.香蕉视频直播�
According to the Westbank First Nation, approximately 7,000 Indigenous people served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars.
Despite progress made since the World Wars, Chief Derickson said there香蕉视频直播檚 still more to be done to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
香蕉视频直播淔irst Nations can have disagreements with the country knowing our rights protect us from the action of the state.
(However), It香蕉视频直播檚 time for western society to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples of this land who resided here and whose rights were taken away many years ago because we couldn香蕉视频直播檛 have disagreements, and because we couldn香蕉视频直播檛 just talk about things (with governments) and find a way through by discussion.香蕉视频直播�
While Lt.-Col. Mead said, it was important for all Canadians to recognize the commitments that veterans have made to the country.
香蕉视频直播淲hen you see a veteran, take the time to imagine what they香蕉视频直播檝e endured. Then, go shake their hand,香蕉视频直播� Mead said.
香蕉视频直播淟ook them in the eyes and say thank you and acknowledge for every hand you shake, there are thousand that can no longer be shook.香蕉视频直播�
Following the speeches, a minute of silence was given before the song 香蕉视频直播淎mazing Grace香蕉视频直播� was performed bagpiper Kim Smith-Jones.
To find out where other Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held on Nov. 11, click here.
connor.trembley@kelownacapnews.com
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