Caledonia Secondary School is set to host a unique Remembrance Day ceremony this year, incorporating a special recognition for Indigenous veterans. Scheduled for Monday, November 10, the ceremony combines traditional Remembrance Day observances with Indigenous Veterans Day, which falls on November 8.
Vice Principal Toni Craig told CFNR News, “We feel that it is a really important ceremony to include with our Remembrance Day ceremony this year, particularly because Indigenous Veterans Day falls on Saturday, November 8.” By blending the two occasions, the school aims to honor all Canadian Armed Forces members while highlighting the unique experiences of Indigenous veterans”.
Students play an active role in the event. “The student council manages the entire program, including land acknowledgments, readings, and a PowerPoint presentation. “They obviously learn a lot about Indigenous veterans’ contribution and, of course, the disparity in how they were treated both as serving members and when they returned after the war,” Craig explained.
The ceremony also features contributions from the local Indigenous community. Elder David Well will perform the territorial welcome, while Kimberly Godfrey and Caledonia drummers present the Tsimshian “Thank You” song. Craig emphasizes that this blended approach is both educational and meaningful. “In recognizing this disparity, we hope as a school to publicly affirm our commitment to reconciliation.”
