MN-S Saskatchewan is holding their Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony at the Batoche Festival Grounds today at 10 a.m. It is a private event that honours Metis men and women who answered the call to serve their country and the Metis Nation. The Indigenous Veterans Day service is at the Batoche memorial with invited Métis veterans, their families, Elders, and select guests.
The City of Saskatoon recognizes Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8th. The City says despite historical and ongoing systemic barriers, Indigenous veterans have served with distinction in various conflicts, from the First World War to present-day missions. An estimated 12,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people served in the great conflicts of the 20th century and at least 500 lost their lives. In order to enlist and fight for Canada, many Indigenous soldiers had to become enfranchised, which meant they gave up their Treaty status.
Today the Remai Modern is hosting a screening of the film Cree Code Talker from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The 14-minute film will be shown numerous times throughout the day. Cree Code Talker reveals the role of Canadian Métis Cree code talker Charles ‘Checker’ Tomkins during the Second World War. Tomkins was from Alberta.
The service on November 11th at SaskTel Centre is free to the public with general seating on first come first serve basis. All those attending will have to pass through metal detection before entry into SaskTel Centre. All bags must be smaller than 12″x 12″ x 12″ and will be searched before entry. Medical & diaper bags are permitted. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Courtesy of RBC, Saskatoon Transit will offer free rides to the Remembrance Day Service, with buses leaving from the Downtown Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) with service every 20 minutes starting at 9 a.m. and the final bus leaving by 10:20 a.m. Buses will also depart from Market Mall and Centre Mall at 9:45 a.m. Return trips from SaskTel Centre will begin immediately following the close of the ceremony.
Doors open at 8:45 a.m. and the program starts at 10:00 a.m. on Monday.
