It is crucial to remember all veterans who have served in the Canadian armed forces during this time of remembering.
Since the War of 1812, hundreds of Indigenous people have served in Canada’s armed forces, most notably in the Korean War, World Wars I and II, and the latter.
However, many Indigenous people ran across conflicts they were unprepared for when it came time to return home. It has taken many years for adequate acknowledgment after they lost their right to reside on the reserve, were absent for the permitted four years, and were not paid for their work. Only in 1994 was November 8th designated as National Indigenous Veterans Day.
However, for many Indigenous veterans, the battle for support and acknowledgment continues to be difficult.
Isaacs mentions the difficulties veterans have by pointing out that many reserves lack access to new technology as it develops.
Every soldier has some degree of PTSD, Isaacs said, referring to his personal experience with the disorder.
As an Indigenous veteran, Isaacs wants to see greater cooperation in the direction of reconciliation, both for the sake of Canada’s past and the honor of those who have fought for it.
