Winnipeg ceremony honours Indigenous veterans
Even as they faced discrimination here at home, Indigenous soldiers have been fighting for Canada for generations.
In the past, their contributions were often unrecognized - but that's no longer the case. In 1994, Indigenous Veterans Day was officially recognized by the federal government.
Veterans like Devin Beaudry say the importance of the event, which originated in Winnipeg, is becoming understood by more and more Canadians.
"I know its starting to go across the entire country," said Beaudry. "It's not celebrated all the way across, but in some provinces it is, other than (only) Manitoba."
Winston Wuttunee spent 15 years of his life serving in the Canadian military, where he was deployed to Cyprus as a peacekeeper. He served our country, despite the treatment he sometimes received while growing up.
"When i walked in the rink, the guy that ran the rink said, 'look at that Indian. He thinks he can get everywhere for nothing!' It just hurt to hear that," recalled Wuttunee.
But despite that hurt, Wuttunee served in the military anyway. He isn't alone.
Thousands of Indigenous people have served in the Canadian military, from the First World War to the present day.
Friday, the sacrifices made by all those veterans were honoured in Winnipeg during an Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony.
"The things we do on a given day, making our lives with our kids, that's all because of the veterans and their sacrifices," said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. "And when we think about the particular history for Indigenous veterans here in Canada, I think it's important they are acknowledged as well."
While there still is work to be done, Indigenous veterans like Winston Wuttunee say Canada has come a long way, and acknowledgments like this are a part of the journey.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joe Biden pardons son Hunter Biden of gun, tax charges, despite promising not to
U.S. President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden on gun, tax charges, despite previous promises that he would not do so.
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
Stellantis CEO resigns as carmaker sales continue to slump
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.