Canada's Forgotten Veterans by Jan zajac

Canada's Forgotten Veterans

By Jan Zajac - For Ms Walling's blogspot - Posted January 16th 2019

A Portrait of  Francis Pegahmagabow

Throughout both wars Canada sent an estimated 1.8 Million troop approximately 8000 of which were First Nations or Indigenous. Following WW1 and WW2 Indigenous troops were given back to their communities, often wounded. These veterans would go on to receive no support from the government, and additionally have their wartime right of franchise revoked despite earning  medals and decorations, and while in the post war years there have been monuments created to Honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I still feel as though these brave Men have not achieved the respect they deserve. and while the heroes such as Field Marshal Montgomery live on in people's memories forever. The First Nations soldiers had to endure racism, poverty and further segregation. Despite doing the most dangerous tasks and fighting the same as all men. This is why I believe that the Government should strive to educate the public about these heroic veterans.

Francis Pegahmagabow also Known as "Peggy" in the trenches was a soldier who fought in the first World war for the Canadian Expeditionary force. He was one of the first soldiers to enlist once the opportunity arose and landed himself among the first Canadian soldiers who would see battle in France. He was viewed courageous by his fellow soldiers which is what they saw when he performed the most dangerous tasks with no hesitation. such as going into "No Mans Land" to scout out the enemy and launch surprise attacks on German patrols. He was also credited with being the deadliest sniper of WW1 with 378 confirmed kills. In addition to these accolades he worked as a messenger and ran through intense gunfire at the battle of the Somme. Followed by valorous actions at the battle of Passchendaele and Scarpe. Earning him the Military Medal and 2 bars of Bravery. a feat only 38 other Canadians achieved.

To those that would refute this as average I would say how many soldiers who were First Nations or indigenous, and were considered extremely good soldiers individually in addition to the battalion and unit level. There are also those who would say that Remembrance day is ceremonial enough, I would tell them how schools and public works have been made for other veterans so why not these?

This story and many others just like it were reported all across Europe as Indigenous soldiers proved their merit in battle time and time again. So I ask you, the reader, to take a moment out of your day and learn about an indigenous veteran so that there deeds might live on forever rather than fading into obscurity.

Thank You.

Photo Citation:

Canadian War Hero and First Nations Activist Francis Pegahmagabow. Photograph Was Taken Shortly after World War I. 28 Apr. 2019, http://indigenous/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2001062042.jpg.