THUNDER BAY – Lakehead University is planning to host an Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. in the Agora with speakers from the University and invited guests as well as an exhibit featuring photos and artifacts from the World Wars which will be on display from Nov. 8 until Nov. 11.
The Indigenous Veterans of Treaty #3 project was developed back in 2018 by the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, and Glenn Jourdain of Couchiching, whose research and photos laid the foundation of this project. Unfortunately, Jourdain passed away in July of 2021.
This exhibit was curated in the spirit of collaboration and reconciliation. It shares the triumphs and sometimes shocking realities faced by Indigenous veterans across Canada and specifically those from Treaty #3.
With a focus on the First and Second World Wars, including other wars to the present day, this exhibit highlights veterans, their triumphs, setbacks, Indigenous women roles, mixing Indigenous and military culture. It honours those who came home and those who did not.
This is a growing exhibit – it started with around 100 names of veterans, and now it has 324 and will also include artifacts and displays highlighting veterans of Anishinabek Territory-Robinson Superior Treaty (1850) and Métis veterans.
Lakehead would like to give special thanks to the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, Thunder Bay Museum, Métis Nation of Ontario, and the City of Thunder Bay's Indigenous Relations Office for loaning Lakehead these displays.
Lakehead welcomes everyone to this exhibit.
