National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, War memorial in Confederation Park, Ottawa, Canada
The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Confederation Park features four human figures holding weapons and spiritual items, with animal spirits forming the base. An eagle crowns the top of this bronze structure.
Unveiled in 2001, the monument honors more than 4000 Status Indians who served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I. Their wartime contributions remained largely unrecognized in historical narratives for many decades.
The monument displays four cardinal animals representing spiritual guides in Aboriginal traditions across Canada. These animal symbols carry deep spiritual meaning for many visitors and connect to values shared across different communities.
The monument stands in Confederation Park at Elgin Street, directly across from the Lord Elgin Hotel and easily accessible by public transit. The location is walkable and makes it straightforward to visit while exploring the city center.
Artist Lloyd Pinay crafted the monument in separate pieces at his Prairie workshop before transporting them by rail to Ottawa for assembly. This unusual creation process shows the careful craftsmanship that went into each component.
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