(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

Veterans Memorial

Indigenous veterans honoured by newly-unveiled memorial at Lower Nicola

May 29, 2023 | 12:35 PM

LOWER NICOLA, B.C. – After years in the making, Indigenous soldiers from the Nicola Valley have more than a large rock to show they fought and died for our country.

Two decades ago, the simple boulder was placed just feet from Highway 8 in Lower Nicola to honour all the fallen Indigenous soldiers.

“Many times, we take a look at the darker parts of First Nations history, and for me I don’t see this as a darker part,” Carol Holmes from the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans Association told CFJC News. “I see this as a place we need to celebrate. This is our country. This is our country. Our people stood up at a time when we were really recognized in our country.”

On Sunday morning (May 28), the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans Association unveiled the finished memorial at the Lower Nicola Indian Band arbour.

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The new eight-foot-tall granite slabs will stand as a reminder to present and future generations.

“It’s important that our veterans be remembered, that they be revered — not only for today but for our future and that our children know what our history is,” Holmes explained.

Currently, there are 66 names engraved in stone, but more may be added with family permission.

“This is a dream come true for our Nicola Valley veterans,” Richard Jackson Jr., master of ceremonies and Vietnam veteran, said. “It’s a community that comes together to celebrate veterans.”

On the back, photos of veterans are displayed above a piece of art created by a Grade 8 student from Princeton meant to embody freedom.