Three First Nations men from Saskatchewan who served in the Canadian Armed Forces say National Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8 is a time to reflect.

Mahekan Ahenakew, who grew up in Ahatahkakoop Cree Nation, said being raised traditionally was almost a secret weapon when he was with the Canadian Army.

He said thanks to the way he was raised he was good at finding game trails, reading the land and reading the waters.

Ahenakew joined at 17, after seeing a recruiting booth at a powwow in Regina. He said during the grand entry, he noticed the way the veterans were honoured. He said he enjoyed playing and was attracted to the sense of camaraderie and brotherhood the military offered.

Ahenakew said he notices changes in himself in November, and on reflection he realizes it's because he's r

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