Message from the Office of the President
Canadians around the world will soon join together to remember and to pay tribute to the contributions and the sacrifices by those who have served and to recognize those who still proudly wear a uniform today.
We will do so on November 8th for Indigenous Veterans Day, and on November 11th for Remembrance Day.
On these days, we remember all of their brave deeds and sacrifices, especially those who gave more than we could know so that we would have the freedoms we enjoy today.
Generations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people fought to protect the land they came from and for the place we continue to build together. We wear the symbol of Remembrance, the Poppy, as a reminder and recognition of their supreme sacrifice.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the War in Afghanistan - a conflict in which over 40,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces served, and 165 Canadians (158 soldiers and seven civilians) were killed.
Thousands of other veterans of that war were wounded physically and psychologically, and they continue to be impacted by both their experiences and the ongoing events unfolding in Afghanistan today.
I encourage you to reflect and remember, and, if you are able, to partake in local events - such as the Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony and exhibit in Lakehead Thunder Bay's Agora on Monday, Nov. 8 or on the same day visit the Indigenous Veterans Day exhibit in the Orsi Family Learning Commons.
You could also attend virtual commemorations from around the world throughout the week, including on the The Royal Canadian Legion's official Facebook page.
To learn more about Indigenous Veterans Day and the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples' history of military service in Canada, please visit the Indigenous Peoples page of Veterans Affairs Canada's website.
I invite all members of our Lakehead University community, no matter where you are around the world, to take a moment on November 8th, and another on November 11th at 11:00 am, to remember.
Lest we forget,
Dr. Moira McPherson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Lakehead University