Three Indigenous men from Saskatchewan who served in the Canadian Armed Forces are reflecting on the significance of National Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8. Mahekan Ahenakew, hailing from Ahatahkakoop Cree Nation, shared that his upbringing played a crucial role during his time in the Canadian Army. Ahenakew, who enlisted at 17 after encountering a recruitment booth at a powwow in Regina, highlighted how his traditional upbringing equipped him with skills such as tracking game trails and reading the land and waters effectively.
Being drawn to the sense of camaraderie and brotherhood within the military, Ahenakew emphasized the importance of honoring the history of Indigenous people serving in the armed forces. Serving in various battalions and groups, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, Ahenakew underlined the significance of November as a time to remember the sacrifices made by others.
Following his military service, Ahenakew has transitioned to providing survival training to local communities, emphasizing a supportive and culturally resonant approach. Similarly, Evan Taypotat, chief of Kahkewistahaw First Nation, was recently appointed as an honorary colonel for the Snowbirds, reflecting on the challenges faced by Indigenous veterans in accessing equal benefits compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.
Taypotat, who served in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2012, stressed the importance of Indigenous Veterans Day in acknowledging and easing the historical disparities faced by Indigenous service members. Proud of his Cree heritage, Taypotat highlighted the unwavering support of his community during his military service and the need to recognize and honor Indigenous contributions to the armed forces.
Cy Standing, a veteran from Wahpeton Dakota Nation, reminisced about his time in the Royal Canadian Air Force, emphasizing the legacy of Indigenous warriors like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse as the first veterans. Reflecting on his overseas deployment post-World War II, Standing underscored the significance of travel and cultural exchange in shaping his experiences and perspectives.
Standing’s journey from speaking Dakota and attending residential schools to serving overseas highlighted the resilience and camaraderie among Indigenous service members. Emphasizing the importance of remembering historical chiefs who defended their land and way of life, Standing cherished the cultural exchanges and connections forged during his time abroad, reminiscent of the warmth and hospitality akin to his home community.