To honour and uplift First Nations Veterans during the month of November, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization is answering frequently asked questions to help share truths and realities for those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Did First Nations people volunteer to serve in the military? Or, were they drafted?
They volunteered at much higher rates than the general Canadian population.
First Nations people stepped forward willingly to defend the very principles of freedom and democracy, even though they were denied those same rights at home.
At the time, many could not vote in federal elections or fully participate in Canadian society due to restrictive policies under the Indian Act.
What is a Veteran?
SCO considers former members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, and the RCMP as Veterans.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) explains that a Veteran is any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who successfully underwent basic training and is honourably discharged.
When people think of Veterans, many immediately picture someone who served in the First World War, Second World War, or the Korean War.
While many Canadians recognize these Veterans, the same may not always be true for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans—those who served Canada since the Korean War.
In fact, some former CAF members don’t even see themselves as Veterans.
VAC wants to change this and is working to ensure CAF Veterans receive the honour and recognition they have earned and so richly deserve.
VAC considers any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, who releases with an honourable discharge and who successfully underwent basic training, to be a Veteran.
This Veteran status recognizes the risk CAF members assume by wearing the uniform and pledging allegiance.
Canada’s modern-day Veterans are carrying on the traditions, values, and legacy of wartime Veterans.
All Canadians, especially our youth, should be aware of their accomplishments and sacrifices.
Sourced from here.
How many First Nations citizens served in the World Wars?
Over 4000 First Nations citizens served in the First World War.
More than 3000 First Nations people served in the Second World War.
The true numbers are likely even higher, since Indigenous ancestry wasn’t always properly recorded.
Photo credit: Library and Archives Canada / PA-041366
How were First Nations Veterans treated when they returned home from war?
First Nations Veterans were not treated the same as non-First Nations Veterans.
For example: Around the time of World War One and Two, First Nations members of the Canadian Armed Forces were required to give up their Treaty status.
This meant they were not allowed to return home to their First Nations.
This mistreatment created barriers, such as being forced to stay in an urban setting with little to no experience in that kind of setting.
This often resulted in higher chances of homelessness, untreated/unsupported mental/physical illnesses, and many other struggles.
In which roles did First Nations Veterans serve?
First Nations people served in every branch of the military—the army, navy, and air force.
Many became scouts, snipers, and reconnaissance experts.
They used their skills in hunting, tracking, and navigating the land that had been passed down through generations.
These teachings from their fathers and communities gave them unique abilities that were highly valued in the field.
How do First Nation Veterans access their benefits?
Veterans access their benefits through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), just like any other Veteran.
However, the process can often be complicated and overwhelming, especially for those who live:
~In rural or remote First Nations
~Far from a VAC office
~Without access to the Internet
That’s where the Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s (SCO) First Nations Veterans Program comes in.
We help First Nation Veterans navigate the VAC system; with applications for disability claims; and connect them to supports such as housing, emergency financial assistance, mental health services, and traditional healing options.
Our goal is to ensure that First Nation Veterans receive the benefits and recognition they have earned through their service, without facing unnecessary barriers.
Why did SCO create the First Nations Veterans Program?
SCO Chiefs passed a resolution in October 2022 calling for action to honour First Nation Veterans through dedicated funding, advocacy, and program development.
In response, SCO successfully applied for support from Veterans Affairs Canada, receiving funding in August 2023.
Shortly after, SCO hired a First Nations Veterans Coordinator to begin building the First Nations Veterans Program from the ground up.
In November 2023, SCO hosted its first-ever provincial First Nations Veterans Summit. This milestone event brought together Veterans, families, and service providers to begin charting a new path of recognition, healing, and support.
Since then, the program has continued to grow.
The Medicine Wheel guides the program to help it address the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental needs of First Nation Veterans—ensuring their voices, experiences, and healing are at the heart of everything we do.
How can I learn more about SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program?
You can visit SCO’s website for more information.
You may also contact the First Nations Veterans Coordinator by email: alexis.harrison@scoinc.mb.ca
Pictured here: Alexis Harrison and Justin Woodcock who oversee SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program.
What are the benefits of serving?
Serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) offers a wide range of benefits. They include competitive salaries, paid education programs, and signing bonuses for select occupations.
Members also receive comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, and vision care coverage; paid annual leave; maternity and parental leave; and retirement plans.
In addition, the CAF provides unique opportunities for travel and adventure, strong family support programs, and the chance to participate in CAF sports and recreational activities.
What is the significance of the poppy?
Each November, the poppy becomes a powerful symbol of remembrance across Canada.
Worn close to the heart, it honours the courage and sacrifice of those who served—and continue to serve—in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
The poppy reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through the bravery and selflessness of countless Canadians.
Wearing one isn’t just a tradition—it’s a simple but meaningful act of gratitude and respect.