Honouring Indigenous veterans

When Kiona Akohseràke Deer took a chance and applied to an initiative that would send First Nations youth to visit sites honouring Indigenous contributions to the First and Second World Wars, she was thinking of her own family members and the long list of veterans from Kahnawake who have been a part of the Canadian military over the years.

When she found out she was selected to go on the trip and visit Belgium and the Netherlands, she felt especially connected to them.

“It felt strange, but in a good way. I kept thinking, ‘I wish my great-grandparents and grandmother were still here so I could share this with them,’” Deer said. “I think it helped me feel a little closer to them in some way.”

Deer was selected by the Embassy of Canada to Belgium for the trip, where she took part in tours of war memorials and museums, ceremonies, and events with officials.

One evening was spent at the Menin Gate, where Deer and fellow participant Cassey Henry placed a wreath in honour of lost Canadian and Indigenous soldiers, a daily tradition that has continued since 1926.

“I was really moved by how many people volunteer in these places and dedicate their entire lives to learning and teaching, finding lost graves, naming unknown soldiers, and really just putting their all into their work,” Deer said.

Henry, who is from the Sipekne’katik First Nation in Nova Scotia, was also moved by the efforts of those involved in war memorial projects.

“A lot of the people we met are very dedicated and passionate about it. It was so meaningful and touching that they care so much about Indigenous veterans and their legacy,” she said. “Learning about it and watching movies is one thing, but once you’re there, it really sets in.”

Deer and Henry also met with World War Two researcher Frank Reamon, who brought her to visit seven graves of different Indigenous soldiers buried at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery.

They also went to the “Indigenous Liberators” exhibit at the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek, where she was guided through by the exhibition’s creator Dr. Mathilde Roza.

It was impactful, Deer said, to see the history of Indigenous soldiers recorded.

“I think these types of trips or initiatives are really important,” said Deer. “I learned so much and was able to share what I learned with a lot of people since we’ve been back, so it opened the doors for conversations about history, war, colonialism, legacy, learning about other countries, and so much more.”

Deer also got to present medals to runners in the Poppies Run Marathon with Nicholas Brousseau, the ambassador of Canada to Belgium, as well as have dinner with Hugh Adsett, the ambassador of Canada to the Netherlands, at his private residence.

“That was really an experience and a half,” Deer said.

Deer said she’s passionate about bringing the knowledge she learned back to Kahnawake and sharing more about her trip with people who might be interested.

“I learned something new every single day, and all of it hit me in different ways,” she said.

[email protected]