Lieutenant Jason Louie: A Story of Service Sacrifice and Solidarity
As Remembrance Day approaches, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices made by veterans like LT Jason Louie of the Lower Kootenay Band. Jason’s path to the military was driven by a childhood dream to serve, and though he enlisted later than most at age 31, he embraced every challenge that came his way. As an Indigenous soldier in a predominantly non-Indigenous unit, he faced not only the physical demands of military life but also the emotional toll of isolation and racism. Yet Jason persevered, motivated by a vision of paving the way for future generations of Indigenous service members.
Lt. Louie’s journey was marked by resilience. He had always wanted to join the military, but his commitment to family delayed his dream. Unlike many who enlisted at the age of 18 or 19, he waited until he was 31—considered “old” by military enlisting statistics. With support from his wife, Angie, who shouldered the unique stress of being a military spouse and new mother, Jason set out on his path of service. Angie’s role in this journey became even more profound when their daughter Misty followed in her father’s footsteps, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Being a military wife and mother takes a unique sense of strength and understanding, which Angie executed with grace.
Despite sustaining a debilitating back injury early in training that still affects him to this day, Lt. Louie returned with determination to complete his service as a supply technician and later an officer in Canada’s Armed Forces. His deployment to Europe widened his worldview and after seeing the filth and poverty of most of France, deepened his appreciation for Canada.
Lt. Louie experienced profoundly moving moments in Belgium, where he saw the deep appreciation for Canadian Soldiers held by those liberated by Canadian forces. Schoolchildren, as part of their curriculum, honor the fallen soldiers by tending to the cemeteries, keeping the memory of their sacrifices alive with respectful care. In addition, local communities hold candle-lit vigils on Christmas Eve, illuminating the graves to pay tribute to the soldiers. This dedication to remembrance inspired him, reinforcing his belief that Canadians, too, could honor veterans with consistent acts of respect throughout the year.
For Lt. Louie, military service is not about individual recognition. “I” has no place in military service, he emphasizes; it’s always about the team. This Remembrance Day, he humbly asks for acknowledgment not for himself but for all veterans, especially those who carry the invisible weight of their service long after they’ve returned home.
Lt. Louie is also committed to honoring Indigenous veterans within his community. The Lower Kootenay Band cemetery holds the memories of Indigenous soldiers, yet many lack grave markers recognizing their service. Some died during their service, some from old age, and unfortunately some have taken their own lives plagued by the emotional toll of PTSD. Jason is dedicated to ensuring that each of these service members has a proper headstone, vowing to continue this mission until all are honored. This reflects his belief in a Canada that values the sacrifices of all its soldiers, regardless of their background.
Beyond remembrance, Jason advocates for more mental health support and specialized resources for veterans in communities like Creston, where resources can be scarce. For many veterans, November is a difficult time, he notes. Remembrance Day stirs memories of fallen comrades, as well as the lingering challenges they face. He stresses that true respect shouldn’t be confined to a single day but should extend through daily acts of empathy and understanding.
LT Louie’s story reminds us that honoring veterans means more than commemorating their past. It involves actively building a compassionate, inclusive society that recognizes the contributions of all its members no matter race or gender orientation. As we wear our poppies this November, may we honor Jason’s vision of a better Canada and stand in solidarity with every veteran who has served to protect our freedoms. For Canada
Chief Jason Louie, a former Canadian Forces Lieutenant, has reservations about Indigenous Veterans Day, feeling it unintentionally creates division. Reflecting on his time in service, Louie explains that military training emphasized unity above all—everyone’s uniform was green, and they all bled red. Although Indigenous Veterans Day was introduced with good intentions, Louie believes it disrupts that sense of cohesion. He prefers to honor all fallen soldiers on Remembrance Day, November 11, valuing a shared remembrance over focusing on separate recognitions for different groups.
