Metis Nation Saskatchewan is paying particular respects to Metis veterans today.

It is a closed-to-the-public ceremony for Metis Veterans and their families at the eternal flame at Batoche this Indigenous Veterans Day.

The ceremony will feature the Act of Remembrance in Michif as read by Métis Veteran Felix Merasty.

The private, in-person ceremony is being livestreamed.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all First Nations, Inuit and Metis service members who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Justin Trudeau says, “For over 200 years, Indigenous People have been – and continue to be – an integral part of Canada’s military history.”

The Prime Minister also said that despite their service and sacrifice during these conflicts many Indigenous Veterans endured hatred and systemic racism while serving and when they returned to Canada, they did not receive the same benefits and honours as non-Indigenous veterans.

Today there are more than 2,700 Indigenous members serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.