Through the Last Post Fund, the Unmarked Grave Program works to provide permanent military markers for eligible veterans who lie in unmarked graves, and there is a specific initiative for Indigenous veterans.

Maria Trujillo, Indigenous program coordinator for the fund, explains why Indigenous veterans, particularly, should be acknowledged with a marker.

“You know, Indigenous veterans were a big part of serving for Canada, and I think, slowly now, general Canadian society is aware of this, but I don’t think everyone knows that so many Indigenous veterans participated," she said. "I think through the grave markers, it’s important not only because they are remembered, the veteran, but also because it kind of brings into mainstream consciousness that Indigenous veterans had a huge part to play in the war.”

So far, IVI has provided 130 grave markers to veterans’ families for their loved ones over the past two years.

To apply for a maker, go to the Unmarked Grave Program website at Unmarked Grave Program - Last Post Fund to review qualifications and to fill out an application, or call 1-800-465-7113 extension 222.

National Indigenous Veterans Day is commemorated on Nov. 8 annually.

Listen to the full CFWE report below for more details about the program: