November 11th marks a day of remembrance for those who paid the supreme sacrifice in war.
But today’s date, No. 8, is National Indigenous Veterans Day, set aside to remember those who served to protect the rights and freedoms we all enjoy.
Premier Andrew Furey says Indigenous peoples have demonstrated “incredible courage and a commitment to military service in Newfoundland and Labrador and abroad.”
Among the many Indigenous soldiers and sailors who served in the world wars was John Shiwak of Rigolet, a sniper celebrated for his extraordinary marksmanship. He died on November 21st, 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, when a German artillery shell exploded, killing seven soldiers, including Shiwak.
(Courtesy of Shiwak Family, Veterans Affairs Canada, Canadian Virtual War Memorial 2017).
His name is included among those carved into the Caribou Monument at Beaumont-Hamel.
Ten young people from Nunatsiavut, the Innu Nation, the Miapukek and Qalipu first nations and the NunatuKavut Community Council accompanied an NL delegation to France and Belgium in July during the Trail of the Caribou Pilgrimage as part of 75th anniversary celebrations marking Newfoundland and Labrador’s entry into Confederation with Canada.
