Indigenous Veterans Day

Recognition and Reflection

Editorial by Denise Baxter, Vice Provost Indigenous Initiatives, Lakehead University 

Code Talkers, snipers, scouts, and honour are a few words we may think of when we think of Indigenous veterans. Indigenous peoples have a long history of military service. Indigenous peoples have fought alongside the Crown since the War of 1812, helping to bring the conflict to a close resulting in the Treaty of Ghent in 1815, and later, as part of the Canadian Armed Forces. Today, over 5,000 Indigenous people are in active service. But it has not come without a great cost to those serving, their families, and communities. 

Indigenous Veterans Day was first recognized in 1994 in Winnipeg, Man., and across the nation we now come together on November 8 specifically to remember the contributions and service of Indigenous peoples who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and modern-day peace keeping missions. As many Indigenous people were “forgotten soldiers” upon their return to Canada, this day of recognition is a time to remember their contributions and their fight for equality.

Indigenous people enlisted voluntarily during the World Wars at the same percentage or higher as non-Indigenous Canadians, and in some communities all eligible men enlisted. During World War I, many First Nations and Métis people served in the 52nd Battalion, which went overseas. Private Augustin Belanger from Animkii Wajiw (Fort William First Nation) served and received a military medal for carrying “important dispatches from Bund to front line companies crossing a mile and a half open country under intensely heavy shell fire with conduct that was most conspicuous and displaying intelligence” over a period from June 3 to 14, 1916, according to the World War I Thunder Bay Centennial Project. Sergeant Leo Bouchard from Lake Nipigon, also part of the 52nd, received the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.” Private David Kejick of the 52nd Battalion was awarded the DCM because he “displayed marked courage and intelligence” during the attack on enemy positions at Tilloy on October 1, 1918 (described in Thunder Bay and the First World War, 1914–19 by Michel Beaulieu, David Ratz, Thorold Tronrud, and Jenna Kirker), and a school in his home community of Shoal Lake was named in his honour. Not to be forgotten, many Indigenous women also served. During World War II, Natalie Delaronde served in the Royal Canadian Air Force - Women’s Division, while Emma Cecilia Charlotte Wraith served in the Air Force at the rank of Leading Air Woman.

It is estimated between 7,000 and 12,000 Indigenous soldiers fought in the World Wars, and many were decorated for their exceptional service. However, when they returned to Canada, they once again faced discrimination causing barriers to their reintegration in their communities. Indigenous veterans did not receive the same recognition as their non-Indigenous counterparts, with racist attitudes across society remaining. The veterans’ benefits packages were different for Indigenous peoples than for those who were not, particularly for those living on reserves. Because First Nations veterans living on reserve were subject to Indian Affairs (and thus Indian Agents), there were further bureaucratic complications that often meant they did not receive benefits such as the Re-establishment Credit, Agricultural Re-establishment or Education/Training. Until 1951, the Indian Act prohibited First Nations people from entering places where liquor was served, effectively restricting First Nations veterans from entering the Royal Canadian Legions, where they could have received information and support on the veterans’ charter and connected with their fellow veterans. 

In 2003, the Canadian government issued an apology and compensation package to First Nations veterans and their families and in 2019, the government formally apologized to the Métis veterans for their service and sacrifice in World War II. In Northwestern Ontario, people have come together to tell the stories of Indigenous veterans and ensure they are remembered.  The result of this commitment are two exhibits, on display from November 7 to 11. The Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Treaty 3 (Manitou Mounds) exhibit can be viewed at Lakehead University Agora, and the Native Veterans Association of Northwestern Ontario exhibit will be on display at Confederation College Apiwin Student Lounge in the Shuniah Building.

Please join us on November 8 at noon at Lakehead University’s Agora to honour Indigenous veterans and their families, and their contributions and sacrifices.

Private David Kejick of the 52nd Battalion from Shoal Lake