A ceremony was held in Batoche on Wednesday to recognize National Indigenous Veterans Day. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Indigenous Heroes

Ceremony held in Batoche to recognize National Indigenous Veterans Day

Nov 8, 2023 | 5:00 PM

It was nearly 140 years ago that the Battle of Batoche took place.

Fast forward to Wednesday as around 50 people traveled to the historic site, between Prince Albert and Saskatoon, to recognize National Indigenous Veterans Day.

The site was chosen by the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) since it was where Louis Riel, who led the North-West Rebellion to protect Métis rights, was captured.

Michelle LeClair, MN-S Vice President, shared with the crowd that her uncle had fought in the Battle of Batoche.

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She explained that while the day is a time to recognize those who fought for Métis rights, it’s also important to recognize the Indigenous soldiers who fought in the countless battles afterward to ensure everyone’s freedom.

“Métis soldiers were present at so many significant battles, most prominently in the Second World War and the First World War,” she said.

Among those who fought in the Second World War was LeClair’s grandfather.

One of the reasons why Indigenous people honour their veterans on a separate day from Remembrance Day is due to a lack of recognition previously received. Many veterans also didn’t share their stories due to the hardships they faced while they served.

Mervin ‘Tex’ Bouvier, MN-S Veterans Minister, said the lack of recognition is why so many Indigenous people call Indigenous veterans ‘forgotten soldiers.’ While he noted more stories are being shared, many brave men and women aren’t having their service acknowledged.

“It’s a process and once it continues more veterans (will be) recognized, more names will be out there.”

One of the veterans who was in attendance for the ceremony was Elder Josie Searson. She served as a fighter control operator in Northern Quebec during the 1960s.

She said she decided to follow in the footsteps of some of her family.

“I had four uncles who served in the armed forces for many years. A couple of them were wounded and another one became a prisoner,” said Bouvier.

She noted she had a great experience but knew of others who weren’t as lucky. She also believes more needs to be done to properly recognize each and every Indigenous veteran.

“I think it’s time for that to happen.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow