National Aboriginal Veterans Day is observed in Canada every November 8, commemorating the contributions of indigenous Canadians to military service. Inaugurated in Winnipeg in 1994, it has grown into a nationwide observance, although it has not yet received official recognition from the federal government. This memorial day honors indigenous Canadians who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, particularly during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War, with estimates suggesting that around 12,000 aboriginal individuals served when including non-status Indians, Métis, and Inuit. Upon returning from service, many aboriginal veterans faced bureaucratic challenges that often resulted in a lack of support and benefits, as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Indian Affairs frequently shifted responsibility for compensation.