11/08/2025
On November 8, Providence Health Care honors and remembers the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Veterans who bravely served in times of war and peace. Their courage and sacrifices are an enduring testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.
More than 23,000 Indigenous Veterans served Canada in global conflicts, often returning home to communities that did not receive the same recognition or benefits afforded to others. At Providence, we recognize these inequities and remain committed to advancing Reconciliation by ensuring their stories and sacrifices are acknowledged and remembered.
As part of this day of reflection, Sheri Hundseth, Director of Indigenous Relations and Community Engagement at Providence, shares the legacy of two members of her family whose service continues to inspire her:
“My grandfather and uncle, both proud Métis men, served this country with courage and conviction. My grandfather fought in the Second World War and passed away in the early 1980s, never having been fully recognized for his service or sacrifice. My uncle, a Private with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, carries that same quiet strength and pride today. Their stories remind me that honour does not come from medals or ceremonies, it comes from the heart, from the willingness to serve even when recognition is denied. I carry their memory and their resilience as a reminder of the strength and dignity of our people.”
On this National Indigenous Veterans Day, PHC invites all staff and community members to take time to learn their stories, honour their families, and reflect on how we can each contribute to ongoing acts of Reconciliation - ensuring their legacies are never forgotten.