Westbank First Nation veterans were honoured Wednesday as part of National Aboriginal Veterans Day.
The veterans fought alongside both Canadian and American troops, according to WFN Coun. Brian Eli but also faced hardship on their return to Canada in the form of continued racism, despite their service.
Helmets with crossed Canadian and American flags are part of the veterans香蕉视频直播� monument that sits outside of the WFN Health and Wellness Centre.
This is the fourth year the WFN has honoured veterans on National Aboriginal Veterans Day.
香蕉视频直播淭his is to really put a staple, and recognize our aboriginal veterans, our WFN members that have served and the whole scope of Canada,香蕉视频直播� said WFN Coun. Tom Konek, adding the WFN will also respect Remembrance Day this Saturday.
Konek opened the ceremony, before an opening prayer and the unveiling of the names of WFN aboriginal veterans.
Konek香蕉视频直播檚 name was unveiled as one of 18 WFN veterans, names inscribed on a plaque beside the veterans monument outside of the WFN Health and Wellness Centre. He served in the American air force from 2001 to 2005.
During the ceremony, Sensisyusten students sang a traditional Okanagan Song.
Konek said getting the students to be involved allows them to appreciate, understand and to 香蕉视频直播渒ind of never forget香蕉视频直播� the events of the past.
香蕉视频直播淚n our teachings, we香蕉视频直播檙e always thinking seven generations ahead, and this youth component is so critical because they are our future leaders,香蕉视频直播� he said.
National chief Robert Bertrand of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples said aboriginal veterans need to be recognized alongside their counterparts.
香蕉视频直播淎s this year also marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation, it is vital that Canadians continue to recognize the prevalent forms of racism that Indigenous soldiers faced on their arrival back in Canada after surviving the horrors of the Great War,香蕉视频直播� he said.
香蕉视频直播淎s such, the process of true reconciliation between Canada and Indigenous people should include the continued recognition of the contributions of First Nations, M茅tis and Inuit veterans in defending the teachings and values that we as a people believe in so that we may protect and preserve our languages, cultures and rights.香蕉视频直播�
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