Wishing everyone a happy New Year’s Eve and all the best in 2026.

Visited the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. Moving and awe-inspiring—beautiful architecture, and the exhibits are exceptionally well done. The Holocaust section was particularly poignant, and worth revisiting regularly. Strongly recommend a visit.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! May it be full of love, kindness and joy and shared with family and friends.

It is 15 December, and the first light of Hanukkah is still fresh—candles newly kindled, hearts newly reminded that faith is not merely a refuge, but a responsibility. May the menorah’s flames strengthen the weary, comfort the grieving, and outlast the darkness. Chag Hanukkah Sameach.

Absolutely tragic.

Yesterday, December 8th, is an anniversary that often goes unnoticed. It was 8 December 1869 that Red River Metis people released the Declaration of the People of Rupert's Land and the North-West - a defining proclamation of resolve and unity Read about it here: davidgrebstad.ca/articles/decla…

Wishing everyone a very happy St. Barbara’s Day. St Barbara is the patron saint of the artillery. On her feast day, artillery regiments participate in sports events and social activities.

One year ago today I had the very great honor to attend the signing ceremony of the Red River Métis Self Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty - a major step in Indigenous governance.

35 years ago today—Nov 10, 1990—this 150 lb teenager raised his right hand in the old Kenora Armouries and joined the Canadian Armed Forces. It’s been a wild, humbling ride. Still proud to serve—and maybe not done yet. 🇨🇦

Honoured to attend today’s NDHQ ceremony: LGen Mike Wright announced Indigenous beaded poppies are now approved for wear by all CAF members. Grateful to buy a handmade poppy from my colleague LCol Catherine Askew (Moose Cree First Nation), a CAF chaplain.

Today, October 25, marks what would have been the 110th birthday of Sergeant Tommy Prince, MM—one of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldiers. Let’s honour his courage, service, and enduring legacy. Lest we forget. 🇨🇦

Tonight’s the night! I hope to see you at the RCMI!

My hometown of Dryden, Ontario was named after Ken Dryden’s grandfather. He attended the 75th anniversary celebrations of the town’s incorporation in 1985 and 12 year old me nervously approached him for an autograph. We still have the book. #RIP

Wishing everyone a very Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

🪶 National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21 Today we recognize the deep roots, vibrant cultures, and enduring resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Let us commit—again—to walking the road of reconciliation with humility and purpose.

Brief, violent, impactful.... OTD in 1816, the Battle of Seven Oaks / la Victoire de la Grenouillère was fought between Metis and Hudsons Bay Company officials, it is a key moment in the evolution of the Red River Metis Nation. Read about it: davidwgrebstad.substack.com/p/the-victor...

On May 5, I had the honour of speaking at a solemn Red Dress Day gathering as Champion of the National Capital Region Defence Indigenous Advisory Group. The red dresses speak for those who are missing and who’s absence testifies to a national crisis that continues today.

Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Thank you for what you do!

Red Dress Day Today we remember. We honour. We stand in solidarity. Each red dress is a life. Each thread, a story. Each gust of wind, a cry for justice. Let this day stir not only grief—but action. #RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #Reconciliation

Today is #BattleOfTheAtlantic Sunday. From 1939–45, brave Canadians faced the longest battle of WWII—escorting convoys, braving U-boats, and turning the tide in the Atlantic. They kept the sea lanes open. They kept hope alive. We remember them. (Image: Rowley Murphy, Convoy in Rough Weather)

I was saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. While I am not Roman Catholic, I recognize how profoundly important he was to millions of faithful around the world. I hope that those mourning his loss find comfort in memories of his leadership. May he rest in peace.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” — Luke 24:5–6 On Easter, the holiest day in the Christian calendar, I extend my warmest wishes to all who celebrate. May your day be filled with joy, hope, and the peace that comes from the promise of redemption.

Holy Saturday — the nadir of the disciples’ faith. All seemed lost. Darkness, doubt, and fear pervaded. Yet victory and redemption were only a day away.

Wishing all who observe Good Friday a meaningful day of reflection, peace, and renewal. May this time inspire hope and purpose in the days ahead.

Wishing all who celebrate a joyful and meaningful Passover. May this sacred time of reflection, freedom, and renewal bring peace and blessings to you and your loved ones. Chag Pesach Sameach!

Monday meditations.

🚨 NEXT WEEK FOR SUBSCRIBERS🚨 🎙️ New Episode Alert! Join us as we unravel the myths of Mary Queen of Scots with historian @tracyborman.bsky.social . Discover why she deserves a more critical look, and how her choices shaped her fate. Listen now! #HistoryRage #MaryQueenofScots

This video didn't do very well on it's initial release but I think it's an intriguing one as it explores an important topic about Canada's fight in Normandy. #history #militaryhistory Worthington Force in Normandy: A Breakout Force's Ultimate Destruction youtu.be/KnTUa1nzZLU

Dropping tomorrow! Sign up now for delivery directly into your inbox! davidwgrebstad.substack.com

📆 #OTD 8 Feb 1945: Operation Veritable begins! 🇨🇦🇬🇧 Troops smash into the Reichswald, but it’s the artillery that paves the way with an earth-shaking barrage. 🔥💥 @davidgrebstad.bsky.social says they deserve way more credit! 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/2369ab #histo#OTD#history #podcast #onthisday

We are now D-2 from the 80th anniversary of when “all hell broke loose.” ““A Calculated and Terrible Efficiency”” by David Grebstad scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol30/is...

Mood today…

Neighbours helping neighbors. Kandahar, 2002. 🇨🇦🇺🇸

Happy Thursday, everyone! I originally planned a long Zone 2 walk for #morningpt, but with a wind chill of “feels like -25,” I opted for a kettlebell cardio session at home instead. Always a great day to be #Canadian! 🇨🇦

Wishing joy and peace to all who are celebrating #OrthodoxChristmas today. May your festivities be filled with love, happiness, and cherished traditions. Merry Christmas!

Happy Tuesday! I switched up #morningpt with some cardio this AM. 25 mins of #HIIT left me gulping for air. When it comes to fitness training diversity is a force multiplier. What are you doing to maintain an edge today?

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉 As we step into 2025, I want to wish you all health, happiness, and abundance in the year ahead. May this be a year of growth, opportunities, and cherished moments with loved ones. Cheers to 2025! 🥂 #HappyNewYear #NewBeginnings #HealthAndAbundance #2025

Festivus is here, and the #featsofstrength are alive and well and a great #morningpt. I even found my own unique aluminum pole! It’s great to stay active through the holidays. Let’s keep moving and make the season strong! #Festivus2024 #HolidayHustle

Well, all good things…. I’ve been quiet on here as I have been enjoying the last nine days bobbing around the Caribbean with family. Now back to reality and sub-zero temperatures.

Wishing everyone who observes a very happy #Festivus !

First #morningpt of Christmas leave was a beast, but it felt great! Tried capturing the Canadian and Union flags fluttering at 101 Colonel By to mark the Statute of Westminster anniversary, but the wind had other plans. Stay active this leave season—start 2025 strong!

Dec. 6, 1989: A gunman went into École Polytechnique in Montreal and murdered 14 women, while injuring 10 women and four men. Today is now the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Yesterday, I attended a meeting in regimental mufti for St. Barbara’s Day, proudly wearing the Moose Hide pin for #WearAndShareWednesday. During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, let’s foster conversations about safer, more equal communities.

“Let us live in the harness of striving mightily, let us run the risk of wearing out rather than rusting out.” Teddy Roosevelt

My latest Legion Magazine article explores Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae's evolving views of conflict and how, in 1915, he penned one of the most iconic war poems of all-time: In Flanders Fields. legionmagazine.com/remembering-... 📸 Wikipedia.

Join me as I delve into the monumental historical impact of the Canada/Red River Metis Self Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty in my latest blog entry: davidwgrebstad.substack.com/p/witnessing-h…#Reconciliationo#MétisPrided#indigenousus