Indigenous faces of war

By Brandie Majeau
As Remembrance Day was honoured and has passed, the brief moments on
November 11 is hardly enough to feel the full impact of the courageous soldiers who
stood shoulder to shoulder on the battlefields throughout history. The Government of
Canada website, www.veterans.gc.ca, contains information, support, and narratives.
One featured story revolves around Indigenous people in Canada’s military.
The Indigenous peoples of Canada demonstrated remarkable courage and
resilience during the tumultuous years of the Second World War, stepping forward to
enlist in significant numbers, driven by various personal and community motivations that
echoed their experiences during the First World War. Economic hardships plaguing their
communities served as a compelling impetus for many to enlist, as did a profound
sense of duty ignited by the global threat posed by the rise of Nazism. Recruitment
efforts were often conducted by military representatives who visited reserves,
sometimes accompanied by local Indian Affairs officials, aiming to encourage
enlistment. However, numerous Indigenous veterans have recounted the heavy
pressure they felt to join the fight, revealing the complex dynamics surrounding their
decision to serve.
For many Indigenous individuals, the choice to enlist was deeply personal and
intertwined with family legacies. The vivid, inspiring tales of fathers, uncles, and other
relatives about their military service during the First World War reverberated through
their lives, reinforcing a sense of obligation to honor and continue that legacy. Among
those with first-hand experience of warfare was Chief Joe Dreaver of the Mistawasis
Cree Band. A decorated veteran of the First World War, Dreaver served with valor as a
sapper and earned the Military Medal at the historic Battle of Ypres. He was acutely
aware of the grave costs of war, having lost two brothers to the conflict. Nevertheless,
when the Second World War broke out, Dreaver felt compelled to answer the call of
duty once more.
Dreaver’s commitment extended beyond his personal pledge. He left his farm
behind to gather a group of 17 men from his reserve near Leask, Saskatchewan, which
included three of his sons. This enlistment was not just about individual honor; it
illustrated a collective resolve among Indigenous families to contribute to the war effort.
In addition to his sons, two of Dreaver’s daughters also chose to serve, along with a
younger brother who ventured overseas. Despite being past the conventional enlistment
age for active service at 48, Chief Dreaver’s dedication did not wane. He served
diligently with the Veterans Guard, playing a crucial role in caring for prisoners of war
stationed in Medicine Hat, Alberta, embodying a spirit of commitment that inspired many
in his community.

The McLeod family from Cape Croker, Ontario, made significant sacrifices during
the wars. John McLeod, an Ojibwa veteran, served in both the First and Second World
Wars. He and his wife, Mary, raised six sons and one daughter, and all of them chose to
enlist in the military. The war greatly affected their family. Two of their sons lost their
lives, and others returned home wounded. In 1972, Mary McLeod was honored as
Canada’s Silver Cross Mother. She was the first Indigenous woman to lay a wreath at
the National War Memorial in Ottawa, remembering her children and recognizing the
pain of all mothers who lost children in war.
During the Second World War, Tom Longboat, a famous Indigenous athlete, and
veteran, also returned to serve. He worked with the Veterans Guard near Brantford,
bringing pride to his community. His sons, Thomas Jr. and Theodore also joined the
military. Another notable Indigenous figure, Francis Pegahmagabow, did not serve in the
military but supported the war effort by working as a security guard in the defense
industry near the Parry Island Reserve.
As Canada takes time on Remembrance Day to honour the sacrifices made, it is
crucial to remember that these stories and journeys do not end within those two minutes
of silence. For 365 days a year, the people who have served and continue to serve
carry powerful stories and pieces of history that deserve to be heard and respected.