Empowering Through Remembrance: A First Nations Woman’s Legacy of Service and Strength

As Remembrance Day nears, I find myself reflecting not only on my service but on the sacrifices and resilience of those who came before me. My journey as a First Nations woman and veteran carries the legacy of my grandfathers, men who faced unimaginable adversity both on the battlefield and at home.

My grandfather, Duncan Cote the brother of Tony Cote, served in the Korean War, a time when the service of First Nations veterans was rarely acknowledged, let alone supported. After he served, he suffered from undiagnosed PTSD—a silent struggle he bore alone.

Despite these challenges, we were always proud of his service and the sacrifices he made for his family and his people. His courage, even in the face of personal adversity, inspired me to push forward.

He returned to a country that denied him the basic benefits promised to veterans, all because of discriminatory policies under the Indian Act. Yet, he stood with unwavering strength, carrying the weight of his sacrifice silently and with dignity, a beacon of resilience for our family and community.

Growing up, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps, but it wasn’t a straightforward path.

Moving to Alaska under the Jay Treaty in 2006, I initially sought a new beginning. But when my relationship took a dark turn, I found myself isolated and seeking a way out. The military offered me that escape—a path to independence and empowerment.

This decision was more than a career choice; it was a testament to my will to survive, to rise above circumstances, and to reclaim my voice. Serving in the US Navy, I found a new strength within myself, one that had been waiting for the right moment to emerge.

I learned to overcome every obstacle, pushing myself further than I ever imagined. I saw firsthand how women, especially Indigenous women, must often fight twice as hard to be heard, to be respected, and to carve out spaces where our voices are valued. It became clear to me that my service was not only a personal achievement; it was a continuation of my grandfathers’ legacies.

Their strength coursed through me, and with every milestone, I carried their unspoken resilience.

Today, as the Southern Regional President of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association, I stand not only for myself but for all Indigenous women and our communities. We have a history of strength, perseverance, and courage that has been silenced for too long.

My story, and the stories of my grandfathers, reminds me our voices are essential to shaping the future, to breaking cycles of oppression, and to reclaiming our place in history.

On this Remembrance Day, I offer an ode to our First Nations veterans, whose service and sacrifices form the foundation of our resilience and strength. They are the quiet warriors, the steadfast guardians of our heritage, who fought not only for freedom but for the dignity and survival of our people. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of our communities, a constant reminder of what it means to stand for something greater than oneself.

Let us honor their courage by continuing the work they began, by uplifting the voices of our Indigenous women and men, and by empowering our people to rise above the struggles that have long challenged us.

Together, let us ensure that our stories are heard, our sacrifices remembered, and our spirits unbroken. In carrying their torch, we shape a brighter path for our youth—the tomorrows of our nations. May they inherit a future built on pride, strength, and unity, where they, too, can hold their heads high, knowing the legacy they come from and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.