Premier Cochrane reflects on Remembrance Day – Government of Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement on Remembrance Day:

Today is a time to honour the Canadian men and women in uniform who have served and continue to serve to protect the rights and freedoms that we as Canadians enjoy today. They have helped build and maintain peace and have defended democracy so people around the world can continue to live free of oppression. We thank you for your service.

Its also a time to remember those who lost their lives, have been injured in the line of duty, and those who struggle with the physical and mental wounds of combat. We remember all you have done and thank you for all the sacrifices you have made so Canadians can live in the country that we do.

When we talk about Remembrance Day, we often overlook the families, siblings, children, and spouses who have hugged those they love goodbye as they were deployed in the name of their country. Many were fortunate to return, but others did not. The scars of war are deep for so many in our nation, and its important we remember the impact combat and peacekeeping missions have had on people across Canada.

The story of Indigenous service in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and later Canadian Armed Forces efforts is a proud one. It has been estimated that approximately 12,000 First Nations, Mtis and Inuit people served in 20th Century conflicts. Its important we mark their contributions and remember the many sacrifices made by Indigenous people in uniform. They were far from their communities and families, willing to serve their country. Many have served and continue to serve as part of the Canadian Rangers, using their knowledge of the land to help maintain a national military presence in the Arctic, monitoring coastlines and assisting in local rescue operations.

Veterans across Canada, including Indigenous veterans, continue to wear the uniform with pride, at home and abroad, and for that we thank you for your contributions and the sacrifices you make to ensure peace and security around the world.

I encourage NWT residents to observe two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. today. We own our veterans a debt of gratitude for all they have done. Lest we Forget.

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Premier Cochrane reflects on Remembrance Day - Government of Northwest Territories