5 Key Lessons for Remembrance Day on Indigenous Service and Canadian Values
🎧 Podcast Episode 175 with Dr. Scott Sheffield
As Canadians come together on Remembrance Day, we take a moment not only to honour those who served but to reflect on the deeper lessons of our past.
It’s a time to consider what our veterans, including Indigenous service members, have sacrificed and how their contributions have shaped our shared values. In a recent conversation with Dr. Scott Sheffield, an associate professor of history, specializing in Indigenous military service, I gained a profound perspective on these themes.
Here are five key lessons that can guide us in commemorating Remembrance Day with respect, thoughtfulness, and a renewed sense of purpose.
1. Recognizing Indigenous Contributions Beyond the Battlefront
Indigenous people have a rich history of service in Canada’s military, often volunteering in times of war despite facing systemic discrimination and limited rights at home. Dr. Sheffield highlighted that Indigenous individuals served for varied and complex reasons. For some, enlisting allowed them to fulfill cultural values linked to warrior status; for others, it was a means of economic support or even a personal assertion of equality.
Figures like Sergeant Tommy Prince stand out not just for their exceptional service but for their determination to prove that Indigenous people were equal members of Canadian society. Remembering these contributions deepens our understanding of the courage Indigenous veterans displayed—both on the battlefield and in their own communities. This Remembrance Day, let’s ensure that Indigenous contributions are seen as integral to our national story.
2. Correcting Myths to Build a True Understanding of History
One pervasive myth Dr. Sheffield addressed was the belief that Indigenous veterans had to give up their status to serve in the military. This misconception is still widely held but largely untrue; while some individuals did surrender their status, most Indigenous veterans retained it after their service. By understanding and correcting such myths, we honor the reality of Indigenous veterans’ experiences instead of reducing them to oversimplified narratives.
Accurate history matters, especially on Remembrance Day. In taking the time to learn the facts, we can engage in conversations that promote respect and reconciliation. This practice not only honors the memory of Indigenous veterans but also strengthens our national identity, rooted in the truth of our collective past.
3. Reflecting on Canadian Values Through the Lens of Conflict
Dr. Sheffield emphasized that during the world wars, Canadians fought for values that were—and remain—core to our identity: democracy, freedom, and equality. However, he also pointed out the deep irony that Indigenous service members were fighting for values they were not fully afforded at home. Despite enduring discrimination and limited rights, many Indigenous people enlisted, showing a profound commitment to a better future for all.
On Remembrance Day, we’re reminded of the values that brought people together during wartime and the responsibility to live up to those ideals today. Honouring the sacrifices made by Indigenous and non-Indigenous veterans alike means committing to these values, ensuring they are upheld for everyone, not just in times of crisis but every day.
4. Appreciating the Impact of Community and Collective Effort
It’s easy to view war as something that primarily affected those in uniform. But as Dr. Sheffield pointed out, the home front was also profoundly impacted, and communities across Canada rallied together in support of the war effort. Everyone from farmers to schoolchildren contributed in ways that created a collective Canadian identity, rooted in shared sacrifice.
Remembrance Day is a time to acknowledge the contributions of everyone who played a role, including those who stayed behind. Recognizing this broader impact reinforces the notion that remembrance is not just about honouring individuals but about appreciating the communal effort that shaped the Canada we know today.
5. Finding Personal Ways to Honour Veterans and Preserve Their Legacy
Remembrance Day is deeply personal. Whether it’s attending a ceremony, wearing a poppy, or simply taking a moment of quiet reflection, each gesture of remembrance keeps the memory of our veterans alive. Dr. Sheffield shared how he honours veterans each time he votes, considering it a tribute to those who defended the freedoms we often take for granted.
Reflecting on Remembrance Day also means thinking about how we can carry forward the legacy of those who served. Learning about their stories, sharing them, and respecting the values they stood for are powerful ways to ensure that their sacrifices continue to shape our future.
Commemorating the Past, Shaping the Future
Remembrance Day invites us to look back with respect, honuor the sacrifices of our veterans, and commit to building a Canada that lives up to the ideals they fought for. Dr. Sheffield’s insights underscore the importance of recognizing the full scope of our history, including the invaluable contributions of Indigenous veterans.
This November 11, let us commemorate all who served, with a special acknowledgment of the Indigenous service members whose courage and resilience have often gone unrecognized. By learning, reflecting, and acting on these lessons, we honor their legacy and work toward a future where the values they fought for are upheld for all Canadians.