Rama First Nation commemorates National Indigenous Veterans Day

A Remembrance Day ceremony combining military and indigenous tradition was held at Rama First Nation on Friday, its 103rd Remembrance Day Service.

A parade of local veterans, active military personnel, and dignitaries from all levels of government marched in honour of the sacrifice of indigenous veterans.

“Indigenous veterans, from across the country made the sacrifices regardless of how they were looked at and how they were looked upon,” said Ted Williams, Rama First Nation Chief.

The parade started at the fire station and then moved south along Rama Road before arriving to the Cenotaph, where hundreds gathered for the service.

“There were a lot of natives in both World War I and World War II,” said Rick Purcell, president of Orillia Legion 34. “Orillia and Rama has a very close relationship, so we do a lot together.”

The service included a traditional moment of silence followed by the laying of more than 60 wreaths.

Chief Williams is the son of an indigenous veteran and says his father never shared stories of the war. However, his father left him with an important message.

“All he said to me was, son, I hope you never have to experience war,” recalled Chief Williams.

The grandfather of former longtime Chief Sharon Stinson Henry also served in the Secon World War. He was buried at the at the cemetery for fallen Canadian veterans in Normandy.

“They left as volunteers and when they didn’t come back it really impacted the community and how horrifying war is,” said Stinson Henry. “We all should remember the sacrifices made for the freedoms we have today.”

Col. Melissa Ramessar, CFB Borden’s commander, also attended the service and reiterated the importance of supporting Remembrance Day ceremonies.

“This was personally my first opportunity to be able to witness [Rama’s service],” said Col. Ramessar. “It is great to see the community come together to honour [indigenous veterans].”

Many from Rama First Nation will be at Monday’s Remembrance Day service in Orillia, with roughly 50 to 60 local veterans invited to attend.