Students, staff, veterans, and community members gathered at Caledonia Secondary School this morning for a moving Remembrance Day ceremony that blended traditional military remembrance with a special recognition of Indigenous veterans.
The ceremony opened with a solemn reminder from school organizers to remove hats and pause all applause, setting a respectful tone as the flags were processed. Elder David Wells delivered a heartfelt territorial welcome on behalf of the Tsimshian Nation, sharing personal reflections on his grandfathers who served during wartime but were denied overseas service because of their Indigenous heritage. His words brought many in attendance to tears.
“I thank those that serve and those that do serve to make sure that we live in a free country,” Wells said, his voice filled with emotion. “Each Remembrance Day, I can’t help but remember my grandfathers and all Indigenous men and women who served to ensure that we live in a free country.”
The ceremony continued with performances by the Caledonia Wind Ensemble and the Caledonia Drumming Group, who shared the Tsimshian “Thank You” song—an expression of gratitude to veterans and their families. The song, originally learned by Nisga’a singer John Haldane in the 1990s, was reintroduced to Caledonia students as part of the school’s ongoing reconciliation work.
Students also played a central role throughout the morning. They presented the history of the poppy, read John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields, and recited the poem A Thousand Men Are Walking by 14-year-old Joshua Dyer—a piece reflecting the enduring legacy of those who fought for peace.
Vice Principal Toni Craig noted that combining Remembrance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day creates an opportunity for deeper understanding.
“This ceremony is about more than remembrance—it’s about truth, reconciliation, and respect,” Craig said. “By recognizing Indigenous veterans and their experiences, we’re helping students understand the full story of Canada’s military history.”
The service concluded with the traditional Last Post, two minutes of silence, and a moment of reflection on the sacrifices of all who have served.
As the crowd quietly dispersed, many stopped to thank the veterans and elders in attendance—a gesture that captured the spirit of the day: remembrance, respect, and reconciliation.
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