The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument

The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, located in  Confederation Park, Ottawa, ON, is reflective of all Indigenous peoples in Canada: First Nations, Métis and Inuit. The richly symbolic sculpture symbolizes the strength of the Indigenous peoples' beliefs as drawn from the natural world around them.

The four warriors (two men and two women) depicted on the monument represent the diversity of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, are facing the four cardinal directions.

The four animal figures are spirit guides associated with qualities that are admired by Indigenous cultures: the elk, for its sharp senses, the buffalo, for its tenacity, the bear, for its healing powers and the wolf, for its family values. A triumphant eagle is perched at the top of the sculpture. It represents the Creator (known as Thunderbird), and embodies the spirit of the Indigenous peoples of Canada.



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