Canadian flags on federal buildings are back to half-mast after they were raised over the weekend, for the first time since the discovery of unmarked graves at residential school sites.
On May 30, the government of Canada ordered all flags to be lowered and they remained at half-mast for half a year.
Last week, the Assembly of First Nations outlined its plan to continue to mourn the victims of residential schools, as well as honour war veterans.
The Canadian government agreed, and the flags were raised Sunday briefly, in order for them to be lowered Monday to mark Indigenous Veterans Day.
Indigenous women and men have a proud tradition of military service – and a legacy of courage and excellence in the @CanadianForces that continues to this day. Today, we thank them for their service and sacrifice. #LestWeForget https://t.co/9xfaEZBsE5
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 8, 2021
There are several virtual ceremonies across the country being held to mark Indigenous Veterans Day including an online event hosted by the government.
“From the War of 1812 through the two World Wars and the Korean War, to the recent conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan, they have strived to help bring peace and stability to some of the most unstable places in the world. Indigenous veterans have a proud legacy of courage, service, and excellence in the Canadian Armed Forces that continues today with the more than 2,500 Indigenous men and women making a difference across Canada and abroad,” a statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reads.
In Ottawa, Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh led his caucus in marking the sacrifices of Indigenous veterans Monday morning.
Singh laid a wreath at the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument and spoke about the discrimination the soldiers faced after returning from war.
He says many fell through the cracks as they were denied the same benefits provided to non-Indigenous veterans, while others found out they had lost their Indian status by putting on a uniform.
Today is National Aboriginal Veterans Day, a day of remembrance & commemoration of the contributions of Indigenous veterans in the 1st & 2nd World Wars, and the Korean War.
We express our gratitude for all that Indigenous veterans have done for Canada and the world. pic.twitter.com/NarQuzMHja
— Surrey Police Service (@surreyps) November 8, 2021
The AFN Executive Committee w/ input from the AFN Knowledge Keepers, passed a motion yesterday that provides our solution towards raising the half-mast flag while continuing to grieve the genocide of Indigenous children and #HonourVeterans #cdnpoli #HealingPathForward pic.twitter.com/hTT6o9mR7m
— RoseAnne Archibald (@ChiefRoseAnne) November 5, 2021
A new poll from the Angus Reid Institute found most Canadians agree with raising the flags to ensure the country can mark Remembrance Day but are still divided as to the period of mourning.
Canadian flags will remain at full-mast until Sept. 30, 2022 for the National Truth and Reconciliation Day, but the new poll finds one in five people say the flags should remain lowered until the end of the year.
The poll finds nearly half of Canadians said it was a nice gesture but needs to be followed by real action, and more than 40 per cent say it was mostly a political maneuver.
The flags will be hoisted on Tuesday, but lowered again on Thursday to mark Remembrance Day.
