The First Nations University of Canada honoured Indigenous veterans during its annual Remembrance Day Service on Nov. 9 at the First Nations Veterans Memorial Tipi on its Regina campus.
Held under the theme “Gone but not Forgotten,” the ceremony brought together veterans, Elders, students, faculty, staff, dignitaries and community members to recognize the service and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans.
In a statement, Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, president of the university, said Indigenous veterans have made extraordinary contributions through their military service.
“Indigenous veterans have made extraordinary contributions through their service, often while facing discrimination and barriers at home,” said Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann. “Today, we honour their courage and sacrifices, and recognize our responsibility to ensure their stories and contributions are remembered and shared with future generations.”
The service began with a Pipe Ceremony led by Elder Sidney Kay of Kawacatoose First Nation, followed by a Grand Entry, an Honour Song performed by the Eagle Claw Singers and O Canada sung in the Dakota language by Chantel Redman of Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation.
FNUniv Remembrance Day 2026 – Elder Sidney Kay
The ceremony also included the Last Post and Reveille, a moment of silence and the laying of wreaths.
Sergeant Christopher Bird of the Regina Royal Rifles Infantry served as master of ceremonies, while Justus Mills, an Elders representative with the FNUniv Regina Student Association, delivered a reading of In Flanders Fields.
Among the veterans recognized during the ceremony were Loretta D. Starr-Goggin, who served more than 24 years in the United States Air Force, Erin Carrigan, who served more than 13 years in the United States Army, and Sergeant Harly Upton, who served six years in the United States Marine Corps.
University officials said the annual service reaffirmed FNUniv’s commitment to preserving the stories and legacies of Indigenous veterans and ensuring their contributions continue to be remembered by future generations.
First Nations University Annual Remembrance Day Event 2026 – Veterans Group Shot
File Hills First Nations Police Services Police Chief Dean Lerat