Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day 2022

Hello folks, 

It is a time of year for paying respect and showing support for veterans and those currently serving in the Canadian Forces. To help you participate in Remembrance Day in a meaningful way, information about live events, virtual ceremonies, and ways you can lend support is included below. 

To begin with, today, Tuesday, November 8, is Indigenous Veterans Day, where Indigenous veterans who have served in missions in times of war, conflict, and peace are celebrated for their contributions. Mary Ann Lyons, Indigenous Student Advisor and a part-time professor here at SLC shared details on this in an article you can find here. As Mary Ann so eloquently says, Indigenous Veterans Day is “a day to recognize and acknowledge the many contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous people, not only to Canada’s war efforts, but also to its peacekeeping operations.” I appreciate Mary Ann adding the insight that some of SLC’s Indigenous students in past years have been veterans who served.

I hope you can find time today to learn more about the contributions of Indigenous veterans have selflessly provided to Canada. This afternoon Canada’s War Museum is screening a free film followed by a discussion of experiences and perspectives related to the service and sacrifice made by Indigenous veterans, and Veterans Affairs Canada hosts information commemorating the history and service of Indigenous veterans here. 

Then on Friday, November 11, SLC will mark Remembrance Day with ceremonies on each of our campuses, and I hope many will attend to pay their respects. I would like to thank SLC’s student governments for the dedication they show, year after year making arrangements that enable our community to participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies. Details are included below:

Kingston
Gymnasium
10:40 a.m.
UR SLC (registration not required to attend)

Brockville
Schooners Cove Lounge
10:40 a.m.

Cornwall
10:30 a.m. Colour party meet at the link, Moulinette Hall side
10:45 a.m. Ceremony begins outdoors at the rock and anchor 

Another way you can show your support is by purchasing and wearing a poppy, which are available at various locations across our communities and on our campuses. Poppies are an international sign of remembrance, and the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy campaign raises funds for veterans in need and their families. Whether you are new to Canada or have family members who served, wearing a poppy is a respectful way to honour veterans and those currently in active service.

I hope everyone finds time in their week to reflect and give thanks, and that many will join the ceremonies being held on each campus this Friday. 

Flags at each of our campuses will be lowered on November 8 in honour of Indigenous Veterans Day and then again on November 11 for Remembrance Day.

Lest We Forget.

Glenn

Glenn Vollebregt (He/Him)
President and CEO
St. Lawrence College