November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day, which honors First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who have served Canada in the military.

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, a First Nation west of Sudbury, marked the occasion with its annual ceremony held at the community center.

November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day, which honors First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who have served Canada in the military. Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, a First Nation west of Sudbury, marked the occasion with its annual ceremony held at the community center. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News)

There were traditional elements at the Remembrance Day service, mixed with elements of Indigenous culture such as drums and “Oh Canada” sung in the Anishinaabemowin language by students from St. James Catholic School.

It was a credit to the native veterans.

“To really enhance the healing that this ceremony can bring,” said Brandy Saikkonen, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek events coordinator.

“And making sure the community feels honored and remembered especially our veterans.”

During the service, Chief Craig Nootchtai read 30 names of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek veterans, some long gone and others still serving.

“It’s part of our DNA,” Nootchtai said.

“We are all warriors to some extent and we need to make sure we remember that and pass that teaching on to our young people.”

November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day, which honors First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who have served Canada in the military. Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, a First Nation west of Sudbury, marked the occasion with its annual ceremony held at the community center. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News)

Veterans Affairs Canada said historical statistics are difficult to determine, but thousands of Indigenous people served in the War of 1812, the First World War, the Second World War – and continue to serve today.

One of the most decorated Canadian Indigenous soldiers was First World War Sergeant Major. Francis Pegahmagabow. His great-grandson participated in Friday’s ceremony as part of the drum circle.

The community recently received a special eagle feather to honor its veterans. Nootchtai said this will be part of the service next year.

“It still has to go through a process, to look like a birth, almost where it’s presented to the community,” he said.

“It has to go through this process before we can officially bring it into the ceremony.”

Nootchtai said he wants to see more education and awareness for First Nations veterans.

As for Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, he said the community is working on a new memorial and is considering having special street banners to honor local veterans.