7 Things You Can Do to at the National Aboriginal Veteran’s Monument in Ottawa

7 Things You Can Do to at the National Aboriginal Veteran’s Monument in Ottawa

Ottawa is a city that has very deep respect for its Indigenous people. For that reason, we have the National Aboriginal Veteran’s Monument that honors these courageous soldiers. 

It’s a place of contemplation and respect for both the natives and Ottawans, and you can even say that this is hallowed ground. 

If you are interested in the culture of the Aboriginal people and also want to pay respects to their fallen soldiers, then I recommend that you visit the National Aboriginal Veteran’s Monument. 

There are plenty of things you can do there, so let’s take a closer look, shall we? 

Pay your respects to the fallen. 

Pay your respects to the fallen

I think that it’s a deeply meaningful and personal experience to pay your respects at Ottawa’s National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.

This memorial shows how much Indigenous soldiers have given up for our country and the importance of their actions to the people.

I highly encourage you to take a moment to read the plaques and writings that are all around the monument. 

Each one shares stories about bravery, honor, and courage that will inspire you and further your appreciation for the sacrifices of the Indigenous veterans.

The writings in English and Inuktitut show that despite their differences, the aboriginal peoples across Canada remained strong and united.  

After that, you might want to leave a small gift as a sign of your respect. This could be something as easy as a thank-you note, a small bunch of wildflowers, or a tobacco tie. 

As you do this, you can bond with the monument more deeply and show your respect for the sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans.

If you go to the memorial, try to attend any services or events that are going on. These events are a great way to meet with the local Indigenous community and learn more about their traditions and contributions. 

It also gives you a chance to show your respect in person and meet other people who feel the same way with regard to the memorial.

Read the inscriptions on the monument. 

Read the inscriptions on the monument

At the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa, taking the time to read the writing on the stones is a powerful and educational experience. 

These carvings are a moving reminder of the many Indigenous cultures that have helped shape Canada’s military past.

When reading them, make sure to go over each piece carefully to get the most out of them. You can start with the largest writings, which tell you the purpose of the monument.

Each one sends a clear and strong message about the bravery and service of Indigenous soldiers. After you do that, take a moment to thank them for their sacrifices for the country.

Next, look at the other signs and plaques that are around the statue. 

A lot of the time, these have personal stories, quotes, and historical references that show how Indigenous soldiers’ experiences and sacrifices are distinct from those of other veterans. 

Each engraving tells a different story, and as you read, you might even come across pictures or symbols written in the text. 

It can be very interesting to try to figure out what these symbols mean because they are often culturally important. This is a way to connect with the many different indigenous cultures and customs.

You could make this experience even more personal by writing down or taking pictures of the writings that speak to you the most. Every now and then, you can look back on these notes and remember your time at the site and the significance of your stay. 

Learn more about the Indigenous people’s culture.

Learn more about the Indigenous people’s culture

Make sure to expand your cultural immersion beyond the monument. Ottawa is a city where Indigenous culture is not just celebrated; it’s woven into the very fabric of the place. 

Near the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument are places of interest like the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada, which often have shows that go into more detail about Indigenous art and history.

Aboriginal cultural events happen near the monument from time to time, so keep an eye on your local event calendar. 

You can take part in the live traditions of Indigenous peoples by going to these occasions, which may include music, dance, storytelling, and more.

The city’s native art galleries are a great place to learn about their crafts, which is another strong way to share culture. 

These galleries show a lot of different modern and traditional Indigenous artwork, so you can experience how the Indigenous people express themselves through this medium.

Besides that, it’s also pretty common to see the Aboriginal groups in Ottawa put on events that help people learn about other cultures.

For a more enjoyable experience, there are restaurants and food trucks in Ottawa that serve Indigenous food that is ready for you to try. 

Traditional foods are a tasty way to connect with native culture and enjoy tastes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

There are also classes you can go to if you’d rather do something more hands-on and challenging. 

Some groups and cultural centers offer classes on Indigenous arts and crafts, like beadwork, drumming, and telling stories. 

Finally, you can also visit the local libraries in the capital to read books written by the natives themselves. These books hold genuine accounts pertaining to their lives, histories, and cultural points of view.

Take some photos in the area.

Take some photos in the area

Photography is a great way to capture the essence and significance of Ottawa’s National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. I recommend that you start by thinking about what time of day you want to visit. 

Depending on the lighting conditions, the landmark looks different. Soft, warm light that can beautifully show off the monument’s artistic features is often available early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

You can look at the landmark from different directions to find the most interesting views. Some of the best photos can be snapped by walking around the monument.

Don’t forget that the background is very important. The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument is near the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill, which makes it a great place to take photos of the view.

There are culturally important symbols and works of art on the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Pay attention to these details and keep your lens on them. 

We all know that Ottawa is also known for its four seasons. You can take photos with each one’s unique background, so plan your trip around the weather you like best!

Lastly, try out a few creative ways of taking pictures to make them more interesting. Wide-angle shots can show how big the monument is and how it fits into the scenery, while close-up shots can show off the structure’s textures and craftsmanship.

If you want to give your photos more depth and perspective, make sure they have people in them. This not only shows off the monument but also adds a personal touch to your pictures, making you feel like you are part of something special.

Attend the different ceremonies.

Attend the different ceremonies

A lot of different ceremonies, gatherings, and special events happen at the site, especially on days of remembrance.

These occasions are open to everyone and give you a unique chance to learn about Indigenous culture and honor the sacrifices made by soldiers.

As you walk up to the monument for a ceremony, take a moment to enjoy how these events bring people together. 

A strong link to the land and the spiritual world is often emphasized in indigenous rituals. You are not only going to an event; you are part of a group showing respect and remembering.

There will likely be a lot of other people at these gatherings, so make sure to talk to them. 

These individuals from all over the world come together for ceremonies at the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, and they are often happy to share their knowledge and stories. 

Because of how holy the event is, respect and attendance are very important during it. Since each ceremony may have its own traditions and customs, make sure to pay close attention to any rules or instructions that are given. 

You might be asked to do things like give tobacco ties, take part in smudging events, or play drums and sing. 

As you participate, pay attention to the quiet reverence that other people show. Being silent at this time is both a sign of respect and a way to fully experience the spiritual and emotional parts of the event.

You might be able to take pictures during some parts of the occasion, but please be polite and quiet when you do. 

You should be careful not to interrupt the meeting or invade the privacy of other guests. Always ask for approval or direction before taking a picture of something sacred.

Bring offerings for the memorial.

Bring offerings for the memorial

Before you go on a visit to the monument, take a moment to think about the importance of gift offerings to the Indigenous communities’ culture and spirituality.

It shows respect, gratitude, and a strong connection to the soldiers who are remembered at the memorial.

When you pick out your offering, keep in mind the different practices and traditions that Indigenous societies have. Tobacco ties, sweetgrass, sage, or even a small bouquet of plants are common gifts. 

What you choose should show the amount of respect that you have for the fallen veterans. Handmade gifts can be especially meaningful, and adding a personal touch to them shows that you have a great respect for the locals.

After you choose your offering, the next step is to find a good spot where you can place it in the monument. There may be set places or a common area where people have put their tributes. 

It’s good to remember that the tributes have meanings that go beyond their looks. Offerings are a common way for indigenous people to ask for healing and to remember the dead. 

As you leave your gift, you can give the veterans’ spirits your thoughts, prayers, or thanks in silence.

Before leaving, give yourself a moment of quietness and take some time to ponder the significance of your offering. You can also recall the actions of the Indigenous heroes and how they have contributed to society.

This is a rather intimate moment of deep connection and a chance to think about how important the structure is to you.

As time goes on, you can visit the landmark more than once. One benefit is that it gives you more chances to show respect, and it also gives you time to think. 

The offering custom and the memory of Indigenous veterans are kept alive through this ongoing link.

Enjoy the surroundings.

Enjoy the surroundings

The monument is placed near the Ottawa River and close to the iconic Parliament Hill. The peace and beauty of the natural surroundings and historic sites make for a picturesque background for your stay.

Plan your trip to the National Aboriginal Veteran’s Monument around a good time to make it more interesting. There are many different seasons in Ottawa, and each one adds its own special charm to the memorial and the surrounding area. 

In the spring, enjoy the trees that are in bloom and the lush grass. Fall is a great time to see the monument’s beautiful leaves, and winter is a peaceful period to see its snow-covered landscape. 

Take your time and walk around the memorial and the area that surrounds it. As you walk, you’ll notice how carefully the statue was made, and the peace and quiet of the area will give you a chance to think.

You could also plan a picnic or just bring a book and hang out in the park. An area of peace and quiet where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere while honoring Indigenous heroes.

You might want to visit at different times of the day. The memorial can get a warm glow thanks to the early morning light, and it can look amazing with shadows and contrasts from the late afternoon sun. 

During the evening, the monument has a different kind of beauty thanks to the various lights illuminating it. This gives it a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and relaxation.