HAGERSVILLE, Ont. — Under the season’s first snowfall, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation gathered in this town south of Brantford, Ont., on Nov. 9 to honour their veterans and fallen soldiers in a heartfelt Remembrance Day ceremony.
The outdoor ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. within a tent with two heaters, where the performance of the Men’s Drum Group, Ninjiichaag, opened the ceremony.
Several wreaths were placed in front of the Veterans’ Memorial Monument during the moment of silence.
After the ceremony, guests approached the monument to pay their respects and honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives serving Canada.
The ceremony’s speaker, Councillor Jesse Herkimer of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, said the annual event is a time to remember loved ones.
“I have a grandfather that served in the Second World War,” he said. “There were a lot of Herkimers in there, so a lot of my relatives fought in wars to serve this country.”
Councillor Herkimer said the ceremony also reflects the broader impact of war on families and communities.
“We were all affected by this in some way,” he said. “It’s to remember the people that have come before us and the path they tried to lay out for us here today.”
Post-ceremony, guests gathered in the MCFN Council House to view a display of war memorabilia, including uniforms, letters, photographs, flags, books, and medals.
Carolyn King, a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Chair of the Public Library, placed the artifacts in the Council Hall.
“The artifacts share the stories of the Mississaugas of the Credit. As a small Anishinaabe First Nation, they signed up to the war, in all the wars,” she said. “These are items to commemorate those through pictures [and] different things.”
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation community have endured hardships that once threatened their culture, continuing to remember and honour those who came before them.
The annual Remembrance Day ceremony highlights the contributions of MCFN members to past wars.
“Recognizing Indigenous people for what they contributed to the war in a big way,” King said. "Reconciliation is just, you know, recognizing that we are a big part of saving this country.”
The Canadian government says Indigenous Peoples had a fundamental part in the four major wars and in current-day operations. In the 20th century, it is estimated that more than 12,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis members served Canada.
For members of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the ceremony is also a time to honour their history while embracing healing and reflection.
“We’re part of the picture,” King said. “We’re included as part of the story, not just an afterthought.”
