Native participation during times of war has remained relatively unknown despite the long and honourable record of service of both native men and women. Native Canadians were the first Warriors, and they have a long history of joining their country in war efforts. They participated in the Nile River Expedition, the War of 1812, the Boer War, the Seven Years War, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Cyprus War, and the Cold War. During the two World Wars, our Native peoples had the highest enlistment rates per capita, of any ethnic group in the entire country.

The proportion of able-bodied Canadian native men, of age to serve, enlisted during the First World War, was one to three. Approximately 4,000 Natives voluntarily left their homes and families to fight in foreign battlefields. Some reserves were nearly depleted of young men. In the tiny community of Pikwàkanagàn, only three men who were fit, and were of age to serve, stayed behind, all others volunteered their services for the war effort.

During the First World War Canadian Natives participated and earned medals for valour in practically every major land battle. Over 50 percent of the Native men who fought in the Second World War were decorated. Native men participated in every major battle and campaign of this war, including the disastrous Dieppe landings and the Normandy invasion. They also served in Hong Kong and were among the Canadian military members who became prisoners of war. Sixteen Native men became POWs and nine died while in captivity. These men were willing to risk their lives overseas for a country that did not yet offer them full Citizenship and refused them the right to vote. Hundreds of Native soldiers were killed or died from wounds during the war.

Military life was especially difficult for Native men and women. Native women also served in the Canadian Forces. Many Native peoples did not speak English or French and had never left their country, seen a ship or a tank. Native soldiers were naturally swift, silent, fearless, comfortable outdoors, able to live off the land, and were exceptional marksmen. Native soldiers often functioned as snipers, scouts, code talkers, air gunners, infantry, sailors, sappers, and even pilots and paratroopers. Two companies of the Canadian Expeditionary Force: the 114th Battalion, and the 107th Battalion, were comprised entirely of Native men, officers included.

Other battalions notably the Algonquin Regiment, the Regina Regiment, and the Winnipeg Regiment, were comprised mostly of Native men. Many CF ships were even named after Native Tribes, including the HMCS Cayuga, Athabaskan, Sioux, Huron, Nootka, Haida, and the Iroquois. Native peoples have served with the PPCLI, RCR, RCAF 1 Wing, Van Doo’s, Lord Strathcona’s Horse, Queen’s Own Rifle Battalion, RCE, CEF, 1st Canadian Special Service Battalion, Saskatoon Light Infantry, Canadian Army Special Force, and of course EME.

The highest rank achieved by a Native in the Forces was the rank of Brigadier, by Oliver Martin. Martin was a Mohawk and a pilot and he voluntarily participated in both World Wars. He survived a gas attack in France, earned his pilot’s wings, trained hundreds of army recruits, and commanded infantry brigades.

Native communities gave more than just their service. During the two World Wars Native communities donated money and goods to various relief funds, and invested in bonds. Those Native women that stayed behind helped form leagues, societies, and charity groups, and collected clothes, money and food for shipment overseas. Native communities even contributed their land, which was used for airports, rifle ranges and defence posts.

The colour, wealth, and status of past and present Canadian Forces members bears no weight when compared to the sacrifice they made for the freedom of this country.

On the bottom of the Canadian Forces Base Petawawa logo, in a yellow ribbon, are the words 'Endazhe Kinamandowa Chimaganishak’. This phrase is Algonquin, and it originated in Pikwàkanagàn. It translates into ‘The Training Ground of the Warriors’. Our Native peoples are the original “Warriors” and fought for our freedom.

Native Veterans did not have the access to benefits, entitlements and programs made available for non-native veterans after the wars. Treatment for First Nations Veterans differed very greatly from that of non-native Veterans. Many years later the Canadian government established a National Round Table on First Nations Veterans Issues. On June 21, 2002, the Canadian government announced a commitment of $39 million (less $3 million for administration fees) for eligible First Nations Veterans who settled on reserves after the war and had their benefits administered on reserves.

The treatment of Native volunteers after the wars was a shameful way to honour War Veterans. All Veterans deserve equal treatment and acknowledgement for their participation and valor in times of war.

Remembrance Day Ceremonies at Golden Lake
The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn and the Canadian military stand united to pay reverence to those that lost their lives in battle. They once fought side by side, and each year on Remembrance Day the Algonquins and military members of 2 Service Battalion from CFB Petawawa come together to honour the fallen.

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