On November 4, 2024, PEI RCMP were honoured to attend an Indigenous Veterans Remembrance Service at Abegweit First Nation. Each year, Canadians remember the service and sacrifice of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces. Nationally, November 8 is known as Indigenous Veterans Day when all Canadians honour not only the legacy of service, but also pay tribute to the continuing service in the Canadian Armed Forces from First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples.
During the ceremony at Abegweit First Nation, Chief Gould presented his beaded medallion to Canadian Air Force Captain Billy Knockwood who is part of the Abegweit community. Abegweit First Nation has 26 members from the community who have served, or are serving, in the Canadian Armed Forces. As Chief Gould pointed out, this is a community with a proud history of service, and we must never foget those who gave so much.
As a Regiment itself, the RCMP has a long and proud history of service alongside, or with RCMP members serving in, the Canadian Armed Forces. As part of PEI RCMP's ongoing engagement in, and support of, First Nations communities on the Island, we will always take the time to remember Indigenous Veterans. Lest We Forget.