June 21, 2026

Check against delivery

As we gather on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation, we pay tribute to the countless Indigenous peoples who, across generations, have safeguarded this country in so many ways.

In times of conflict as in times of peace, Indigenous people have made an invaluable contribution to the defence of Canada.

We pay tribute to the many Indigenous snipers or reconnaissance scouts who served with Canadian troops during the First World War. 

We remember the code talkers of the Second World War, who used Cree and other Indigenous languages to encode critical communications.

We honour the hundreds of Indigenous soldiers who served during the Korean War. Among them was Sergeant Tommy Prince, a highly decorated Ojibwe soldier from Manitoba, already celebrated as a hero of the Second World War.

We also recognize Indigenous members of the Canadian Rangers in the Arctic, who continue to support military operations through training, surveillance and perilous search-and-rescue missions.

Beyond their courage and dedication, Indigenous people bring invaluable knowledge and skills to the Canadian Armed Forces.

In particular, their knowledge of the land, the climate and the environment enables a faster response to emergencies in remote areas—and often saves lives.

Indigenous knowledge offers valuable insight into the cultural contexts and social dynamics of the communities where deployments take place—an essential foundation for building trust and strong relationships.

This knowledge is a vital defence asset, too long overlooked.

What is truly remarkable about Indigenous members and veterans is their ability to preserve their cultural identity while reaching out to others.

That goes to the very heart of reconciliation.

As we stand before the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, I invite all Canadians to reflect on the values it represents: Honour. Duty. Harmony with the environment.

I also invite everyone to acknowledge that Indigenous contributions to Canada’s defence were made despite a history marked, tragically, by exclusion, hardship and injustice.

This is why symbols such as this monument and the Aboriginal Veteran Millennium Medallion carry such profound meaning.

The Millennium Medallion was created by Indigenous veterans themselves to commemorate those who risked their lives and sacrificed so much in the fight for freedom and democracy.

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, I want to thank all those who have gathered to pay tribute, including Madame Clarkson and organizations such as the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.

I understand that many of you were present at the monument’s unveiling 25 years ago and have returned every year since. Thank you.

I would also like to thank everyone who is working to promote inclusion and reconciliation within our defence institutions. 

Today, in a time of rising global tensions, our collective security depends, above all, on the trust we place in one another.

Let us continue to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, strengthening Canada’s defence—so that together, we may meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Thank you. Migwetch. Nakurmiik. Merci.