John Moses recounts that upon his father, Russell Moses, returning from the Korean War, he faced discrimination in Canada. In 1952, Russell, an Indigenous residential school survivor, was denied entry to a bar in Hagersville, Ont., due to his ethnicity. John, a member of the Delaware and Upper Mohawk bands from Six Nations of the Grand River and a third-generation Canadian Armed Forces member, highlighted that such experiences were common among returning veterans.

Russell, who served in the navy during the Korean War and later in the air force, passed away in 2013. His grandfather, Ted Moses, also served as a mechanic with the air force during the Second World War. John, who served as a communicator research operator with the Armed Forces in the 1980s, later worked at the Canadian Museum of History focusing on repatriation and Indigenous relations.

The challenges faced by Indigenous veterans post-war were a stark contrast to the camaraderie experienced during wartime. Despite their sacrifices and service, many Indigenous veterans, like Russell Moses, found themselves marginalized back home in Canada. The lack of acceptance and equality upon returning led some Indigenous veterans to re-enlist, seeking to regain the sense of purpose and belonging they felt during their military service.

Indigenous Veterans Day, observed on Saturday, commemorates the wartime contributions of Indigenous individuals. Historian Scott Sheffield emphasized that serving in the military provided Indigenous soldiers with an opportunity to prove themselves and earn respect based on their character and abilities rather than their ethnicity. The day has grown into a nationally recognized event, serving as a precursor to Remembrance Day.

The federal government acknowledges the mistreatment Indigenous veterans faced and the unfulfilled promises of improved rights and standing in Canadian society. Efforts to recognize and honor Indigenous veterans have gained momentum, with initiatives like the Last Post Fund Indigenous Initiative ensuring dignified funerals and military gravestones for unrecognized veterans. These efforts aim to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by Indigenous individuals in service to the country.

As Canada continues its journey of reconciliation, Sheffield believes that reflecting on the mutual respect and camaraderie experienced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous soldiers during wartime can guide the nation towards respectful coexistence and unity in the future.