Métis veterans honoured on Indigenous Veterans Day

On Wednesday, Métis veterans from across the province were honoured at a special service in Batoche for Indigenous Veterans Day.

Mervin Bouvier, the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan’s minister of veterans, said it’s important to honour Indigenous veterans and their historical contributions to Canada’s armed forces.

“We also honour our Métis ancestors, the brave resistance warriors who believed and fought for the dream of a Métis nation,” Bouvier said.

A memorial fire at the Batoche Festival Grounds served as a symbol of sacrifices made by those veterans.

“We light it in honour of (their) memories and families,” Bouvier said.

During the First World War, the Department of Indian Affairs recorded 4,000 Indigenous enlistees, but some of the records were incomplete, and historians predict that number is closer to 6,000, Bouvier explained.

“Métis veterans were present at some of the most famous battles of World War I (and) World War II,” he said, adding that Métis women also played important roles.

Bouvier shared stories of veterans who volunteered and served from all over the province, including some from farms close to Prince Albert to Île-à-la-Crosse. Sadly, Bouvier explained, many of their contributions went unacknowledged.

“While we pay special homage to all of the Métis veterans today, we are reminded that those who did return home face barriers and did not receive any recognition for their commitment,” he said.

While the stories of Métis veterans are still being told, Bouvier said the community must continue to advocate for true and meaningful recognition for those who served.