Every year on November 8, people across Canada pause to mark National Aboriginal Veterans Day. Established in 1994, it commemorates Indigenous Veterans' service and sacrifice, and acknowledges the historical injustices many faced during and after their military service.
In recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day, Calgary Salutes presents a lecture exploring the military involvement of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples across our shared history, from the distant past to recent service. The lecture is a joint presentation between Calgary Salutes and The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.
Sunday, November 8, 2026
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, Upper Barracks, 750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
- 12:30 p.m.: doors open
- 1:00 p.m.: Elder blessing, drummer and poetry reading
- 1:20 p.m.: lectures begin, with a question and answer period
- A reception with appetizers and a cash bar follows
The program runs about three hours. It is in person only, accessible, and parking is available. Capacity is 200.
MC: Scott A. Grant
Speakers
Jerry Potts, Naamaakaakomi (Going to Shoot), is a member of the Northern Piikani Nation and the fifth generation Jerry Potts. He retired from the federal government after 24 years as an Indigenous Liaison Advisor for Statistics Canada, working with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. He promotes cross-cultural relations with the goal of breaking down barriers and building respectful communication. He and his wife are past holders of the Piikani Long Time Thunder Pipe, and he is a ceremonial elder for Thunder Medicine Pipes, the Brave Dogs and the Horn Society. A self-taught pipe maker, he has made ceremonial pipes for Blackfoot ceremonialists and the Blackfoot Confederacy for 50 years. His passion is working with the Piikani to develop a better understanding of archaeology sites as the Blackfoot footprint in Blackfoot territory. Elder Potts will speak on the life of Jerry Potts, the Metis warrior, tracker, trader, hunter and horseman who shaped Alberta.
Earl Robert "Bob" Crane, Onastaipooka (Calf Child), is a member of the Siksika First Nation and a retired Canadian Armed Forces Major. He served for 33 years, from 1970 to 2003, beginning in the ranks before being commissioned as an officer. His career in signals intelligence, electronic warfare and military communications took him across Canada, including the High Arctic, and on exchange with the United States Navy in Florida. His overseas service included the Gulf War and United Nations missions in the Golan Heights and Iran-Iraq. After the Gulf War, Siksika honoured him with a Warrior Headdress in recognition of his service. Since retiring he has undertaken civilian assignments in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Haiti, supported Indigenous veterans, and mentored Indigenous people entering the military. He now lives at home on Siksika, studying the Blackfoot language and deepening his knowledge of his people's history and traditions. He brings a personal perspective on service, identity and remembrance.
Admission is free, with a suggested minimum donation of $10 to The Confluence. Register on Luma.
This is a Calgary Salutes event, presented jointly with The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. Please confirm final details with the organizers.
Sources and related information
- Event details: Scott Grant, Heritage and History Committee, October 8, 2026.
- Registration
- The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
Last updated October 8, 2026 · Calgary Salutes Coordinating Committee