National Indigenous Veterans Day
On this day we recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous service members and the real-life experiences of the thousands who served off and on the battlefield.
One of those service members is ATCO’s own Jeremy Plain Eagle, a Service Operator at ATCO Gas in Lethbridge, Alta. He was a Motor Transport Operator in the United States Marine Corps. Jeremy reflects on his journey and the importance of military service. “I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and later at Camp Pendleton, California,” he shares, detailing his four years of active duty. Jeremy’s humility shines through as he discusses his military experience, stating, “I didn’t broadcast it… I’m not the type of person that likes to seek attention.” Jeremy was born and raised in Brocket, Alberta, a settlement on the Piikani Nation reserve in southern Alberta. “Growing up, I had never left home, I had never been on an airplane,” he explains. “The only time we ever went anywhere is if we were playing sports. The biggest challenge was just getting used to being away from home and my community.”
While Indigenous participation in the military has been notable, many Indigenous servicemen and women expected their sacrifices would lead to greater rights, but upon returning home, they faced discrimination and were frequently denied full veteran benefits.
His grandmother played a pivotal role in encouraging him to embrace his service. “She told me, ‘You have to be proud of what you did. Not everybody is capable of doing what you did,’” he recalls.
This wisdom inspired Jeremy to recognize the impact of sharing his story with others, especially young people from his community contemplating their futures. He advises them, “If you’re unsure about what you want for your future, or unsure about post-secondary school, there’s always the military. There’s a door that’s always open, you will learn so much about life and become a well-rounded person,” Jeremy emphasizes the educational opportunities available through military service, highlighting the importance of supporting those who serve. “Organizations like ATCO that hire veterans are getting well-rounded, highly-skilled professionals.”
As we honour Indigenous Veterans Day, Jeremy’s words remind us of the pride and dedication these individuals bring to their service. “We work today to see what tomorrow brings us,” he concludes, reflecting a spirit of resilience and hope.
Join us in remembering and celebrating the legacy of Indigenous Veterans on November 8.
To learn more about ATCO’s commitment to the Indigenous Relations and the Military visit atco.com/our-commitment
ATCO’s Commitment to the Participating Nations Expedition
Serving and supporting those who stand on guard for democracy and peace is a foundational value within ATCO—a profound responsibility we honour today and into the future. We are also equally proud of our close to 60 joint venture agreements, memorandums of understanding and longstanding commitment to meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities across the globe.
As a Co-Presenting Partner of IG25, these dual commitments will intersect in an exciting and powerful way. An integral part of the bid for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 was the intent to stage a Winter Expedition. ATCO is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Participating Nations Expedition which will be held on the traditional territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in advance of the 2025 Invictus Games.
This expedition is in essence replacing the notion of a ‘torch relay’ as used in Olympic events and reinforces our commitment to the Calls to Action proposed under the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada, including respecting land protocols and highlighting the territories and participation of the Four Host First Nations, as well as showcasing the winter skills of our military.
As part of the expedition, Indigenous Invictus Games alumni from six continents and local community members will undertake a special community-building activity in each location. The expedition team will move through each of the Four Host First Nations – experiencing various forms of winter travel and activity while learning about the culture and experiencing storytelling while travelling through the route.
The expedition journey will culminate at the Welcome Ceremony of the Games where they will bring in the Invictus Flag that has been transferred from each Nation by the team.
About the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, presented by ATCO and Boeing, is an international sporting competition for wounded, injured, and sick service members and Veterans. From February 8-16, 2025, the seventh Invictus Games will bring together up to 550 competitors from up to 25 nations in 11 adaptive sports in the natural beauty of British Columbia, Canada. Invictus means unconquered and the Games celebrate courage, resiliency and the strength of the human spirit. Through the power of sport, the Games will inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who have served their country.
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will be held on the traditional territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. True Patriot Love Foundation, the Government of Canada, and the Province of British Columbia are the valued Founding Partners of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
Visit invictusgames2025.ca/media-hub/ for our latest news, supporting materials and full Games details.
