Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and search and rescue crews were marched through Eskasoni, N.S., on Wednesday afternoon as community members gathered to thank them for their service.
The first-of-its-kind event was organized by the chief and council to honour some of the First Nation's bravest.
"Our first responders have been through a lot -- too much, sometimes," said Chief Leroy Denny, who is a first responder himself.
Denny became emotional when talking about some of the harms brought on by the work, including mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
"We have a lot of former RCMP officers, former paramedics ... and also former firefighters. They've been through a lot, and they didn't have the service that we have today with regards to mental health and also PTSD."
About a hundred people took part in Wednesday's event at Eskasoni's powwow grounds, including Erin Denny, whose father worked for the RCMP in Eskasoni.
Erin Denny said the children of first responders understand just how much the job can impact a person.
"I know they touched on it a lot today, but the importance of understanding mental health and how it impacts our first responders, it is very relevant and it is very real."
Erin Denny said she was thankful to see so many service people smiling from the cheers and applause given to them.
Wekatesk Augustine, a front-line worker who helps people struggling with addiction, said these types of events make people feel appreciated.
"The amount of work that they do and support for the community, it's just incredible. I'm so thankful for them," he said.
In addition to the parade, former and current first responders were invited to take part in a smudging ceremony.
Among them was Kirsten Denny, who's been working as a paramedic in Eskasoni for about three years.
"You don't realize the work that you do is so big," said Kirsten Denny, who grew up in the community.
"Knowing that they're in their most vulnerable space and I'm there to help them ... that's probably one of the highlights of my job."
Kirsten Denny is also a former mental health counsellor and speaks the Mi'kmaw langauge. She often responds to calls where the patient can only speak the traditional language.
"Just seeing their face light up when I start to speak and knowing that they're understood in that way -- it brings me a sense of comfort," she said.
After the parade through Eskasoni, a barbecue was held for all members of the community.
Eskasoni chief and council say they're now hoping to turn the event into an annual gathering.