We remember

Honouring National Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day in early learning

November 9: National Indigenous Veterans Day

On November 9, we come together to honour the courage, service, and dedication of Indigenous veterans. National Indigenous Veterans Day is a time to recognize and remember the important contributions and sacrifices First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have made in service to Canada.

During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indigenous people volunteered to serve. Many brought valuable skills and knowledge from their communities, including patience, precision, and keen observation skills, and some served with distinction as scouts and snipers.

When the Second World War began, this proud tradition of service continued. By the end of the war, more than 3,000 First Nations members, along with many Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous recruits, had enlisted to serve.

Indigenous peoples have continued to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces in the decades since, contributing to military operations, peacekeeping efforts, and international missions around the world. More recently, Indigenous members of the Canadian Armed Forces served in Afghanistan, carrying forward a long legacy of service.

Today, we honour their legacy with respect and gratitude and recognize the lasting contributions Indigenous veterans have made, and continue to make, to our country and communities.
 

November 11: Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is observed each year on November 11. It is a time to honour those who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, and to remember those who lost their lives in service to our country.

The date marks the signing of the armistice that ended the First World War on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Across Canada, people recognize Remembrance Day by wearing poppies, attending ceremonies, observing moments of silence, and reflecting on the sacrifices made by veterans and military families. It is a time to remember the values of courage, service, peace, and community.

Supporting children's understanding

Young children may not fully understand the historical significance of National Indigenous Veterans Day or Remembrance Day. However, early childhood educators can help children participate in meaningful and age-appropriate ways by focusing on themes such as gratitude, community, caring for others, belonging, and peace.

Through stories, art, sensory experiences, conversations, and community connections, children can begin to learn about remembering and honouring those who have helped others.

Ideas for exploration and learning

Poppy invitations and art experiences

  • Create poppies using playdough, clay, loose parts, or natural materials.
  • Paint, colour, or collage poppies to display throughout the program.
  • Use red and black pompoms with tongs as a fine motor activity.
  • Create a collaborative poppy wreath or display.

Community and gratitude

  • Create a "Thank You Veterans" mural, poster, or kindness wall.
  • Encourage children to share what it means to help others or care for their community.
  • Learn about community helpers and the many ways people contribute to keeping communities safe and strong.

Stories and literacy

  • Read age-appropriate books that explore themes of remembrance, kindness, service, and peace.
  • Share poetry such as In Flanders Fields and discuss the symbolism of the poppy in simple, child-friendly ways.

Land, culture, and community connections

  • Invite a local Elder, Knowledge Keeper, or community member to share stories, teachings, or perspectives.
  • Learn about the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans through stories, photographs, and videos appropriate for young children.

Animals in service

Additional Resources

Learn about Indigenous Veterans

Free children's activity book

 

Upcoming ceremonies

From all of us at Early Learning and Child Care, thank you for taking time to honour National Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day and helping children learn about remembrance, gratitude, service, and community in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.

Through everyday conversations, play, stories, and learning experiences, young children can begin to understand the importance of remembering those who have served and sacrificed for others.