Remembering Indigenous military service
“Hey, I got you something!” Ward 8 Coun. Tracy Richardson tossed me a small package across the council table just before last Tuesday’s meeting.
I opened the bag and looked down at a shiny silver lapel pin: a red poppy on a dream catcher wrapped in a Métis sash, adorned with feathers and an Inukshuk – an Indigenous poppy.
This meant a lot to me, not just because of her thoughtfulness, but as a gesture of appreciation and respect recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of veterans from Indigenous communities.
Her act of kindness has inspired me to share more about Indigenous soldiers and their significant contributions.
Did you know, for example, that:
- more than 7,000 Canadian soldiers who volunteered to serve in the First World War and Second World War were Indigenous;
- Ojibwe soldier, Francis Pegahmagabow, became the most decorated Indigenous soldier in Canadian military history in WWI; and
- Métis corporal Henry “Ducky” Norwest was one of Canada’s most famous snipers.
Today, more than 2,800 Indigenous soldiers serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Some 25 per cent of the Canadian Rangers – the “eyes and ears” of Canadian sovereignty in the North – are Indigenous.
We have always been here. We have always stepped up. We have always been – and are today – serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Indigenous poppies are available through the Royal Canadian Legion and local Indigenous vendors
“We will remember them.”
And marsee, Councillor Richardson!
–Mike Perry is a proud past member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves and a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. He is councillor for Ward 3, Kawartha Lakes.
