In a historic move by Canada’s Armed Forces, active members are now permitted to wear Indigenous-crafted poppies on their uniforms during Remembrance Day. Floyd Powder, an Indigenous veteran and advocate, expressed his satisfaction with the new policy, stating that all members can now don Indigenous-made poppies, whether they are beaded, made of sealskin, or adorned with porcupine quills, as long as they adhere to specific design requirements.
During a recent ceremony in Ottawa, Powder presented handcrafted poppies to Commander of the Canadian Army Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright and Canadian Army Sgt.-Maj. Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Robin. The poppies were skillfully crafted by Powder’s sister, Gwen Pischinger, a member of the Fort Smith Métis Council. Powder described the experience of presenting the poppies as a moment of great pride.
Speaking at the event, Powder emphasized the significance of Indigenous-crafted poppies being integrated into the military uniform, highlighting it as a positive step towards reconciliation. Gerri Sharpe, an Indigenous artisan from Yellowknife, shared her increased production of poppies in response to the new regulation, stating that the move signifies the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and traditions within the military.
Sharpe noted that each of her handcrafted poppies is unique, showcasing a variety of colors and bead sizes, and requiring considerable time and effort to produce. She expressed her anticipation at seeing these Indigenous-made poppies adorning uniforms this year, recognizing the opportunities it creates for artisans in the future. The Canadian Armed Forces specified that these handcrafted poppies can be obtained from any vendor, must feature red color with black accents, and can be made from various materials such as beads, sealskin, porcupine quills, and caribou bone, maintaining cultural significance.
By embracing Indigenous art through the inclusion of handcrafted poppies, the military is not only celebrating cultural diversity but also opening doors for Indigenous artists to showcase their talents on a broader platform, as highlighted by Sharpe.
