Communities across the Northwest Territories are holding events to mark Remembrance Day.
In Canada, Remembrance Day is observed every November 11, on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War One.
The day aims to remember Canadians who have served in the armed forces, including those who have died in conflicts, and honour those who continue to serve.
Indigenous Veterans Day is observed on November 8. It commemorates the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans and acknowledges the historical injustices many faced during and after their military service.
In Fort Smith, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 239 is planning a Remembrance Day service that will include the RCMP, Parks Canada, Canadian Rangers and other organizations. It will start at the Salt River First Nation business and conference centre at 10:30am.
Reverend Aaron Solberg, chaplain at the legion and lead pastor at St John’s Anglican Church, said highlights will include a community band performing the national anthem and local seventh-grader Adelaide Colucci reading her poem, which won a Royal Canadian Legion Alberta-NWT command remembrance competition last year.
“Remembrance isn’t just about looking back at something, it’s about how we can live that concept of service and self-sacrifice going forward,” Solberg said of the importance of Remembrance Day.
“In the North we have a lot of struggles and community is very, very important. I think this is something that shares that value of service, self-sacrifice and being there for each other.
“I think that’s a way we can honour the past, right? We commit to transforming ourselves in our community through the same kind of dedication of those who went before us.”
In Inuvik, Royal Canadian Legion McInnes Branch 220 kicked off its poppy campaign last week with the presentation of poppies to the town’s mayor, Peter Clarkson, and Duane Smith, chair and chief executive officer of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Proceeds from the poppy campaign will be used to support veterans.
Christine Zubko, a member of the poppy committee, said Inuvik has “probably the most vibrant legion” in the NWT with more than 600 members and a defence base at the airport.
“Our legion has a longstanding tradition of honouring our veterans and servicemen and women,” she said.
A Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at Inuvik’s East Three Secondary School gym starting at 10:30am.
In Yellowknife, a Remembrance Day ceremony will begin at the cenotaph, located between City Hall and RCMP headquarters, at 9:55am. Following the ceremony, a parade will proceed along 49 Avenue (also known as Veterans Memorial Drive), turn onto 49 Street, then onto 51 Avenue, concluding at St Patrick High School where an indoor ceremony will take place at 10:50am.
In Behchokọ̀, the presence office is holding a community lunch at the cultural centre at noon.
In Hay River, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 250 is holding a Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:30am.
In Norman Wells, the Royal Canadian Legion Canol Branch 287 will hold a ceremony involving the RCMP, cadet corps, Canadian Rangers and Fire Department at the community hall. The ceremony will begin at 10:30am and be followed by hot dogs, beef on a bun and Moose Milk at the legion.
According to the 2021 census, there were 210 active military families living in the NWT that year and 325 veteran families.
Veterans Affairs Canada states that more than 118,000 Canadians have died in military service since Confederation and more were wounded.
