In recognition of Indigenous veterans who have served in Canada’s war efforts, a monument was unveiled at Regina’s Victoria Park on Saturday.

The new seven-foot memorial honours Indigenous veterans who served in the Canadian and U.S. forces going as far back as World War l.

“Through this monument we wanted to make sure the citizens of Regina and Saskatchewan fully understand the Indigenous veterans that fought in the wars, even though by Treaty [they] were not required to do so, fought with courage, skill, and honor,” Brad Hrycyna, chair of the Indigenous Veterans Monument Committee said.

The unveiling of the monument coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Second World War – where at least 20 per cent of the Regina Rifles Regiment was made up of Indigenous people.

Hrycyna said the monument aims to spread awareness about the critical role Indigenous soldiers played while serving, while acknowledging the injustices they faced when returning home.

“When they were released from the army, they were not given the grants, such as education, land grants and other financials and benefits that the non-Indigenous veterans were,” he explained.

“This is a reminder to everybody who sees this monument that Indigenous veterans were an important part of Canada’s war effort. That they did serve with honour and they should be respected for that.”

Over 200 people were in attendance Saturday morning, including Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre, veterans, Indigenous members, city officials and MLAs.

Hrycyna described the design behind the monument’s layout as a symbol of respect.

“You will see on top the image of the face of a bison, which is representative of both Metis and First Nations people. It’s a symbol of respect,” he explained.

“The theme of the monument is honour. On the front of the monument, you will see the text describing what the monument stands for in English, on the reverse it’s in French. On one side it has all of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous languages the word ‘honour’ or phrase representing honour.”

Located at the centre of the city, the monument sits at the site of the former Sir John A. MacDonald statue, which was removed from Victoria Park in 2021.