By: Lisa Hartford, CanAge
Today is National Indigenous Veterans Day. At CanAge, we’re taking a pause to learn about their tremendous contributions to Canadian history, but also of their mistreatment upon their return home.
This year marks the 107th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and the 76th anniversary of the Second World War. The Government of Canada estimates that more than 7,000 Indigenous men and women served in uniform in both wars. They signed up to get a job, to seek adventure, to use their skills (such as nursing) or to show support for their King and country as their ancestors had when fighting alongside the British in 1812. History reveals that while some joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and Navy, most Indigenous recruits served in the Army.
It is important to note that, because some records are incomplete, and that non-Status Indian, Métis and Inuit people were not included in the accounting, the number of Indigenous soldiers far surpasses 7,000. They enlisted without acknowledgement of their Indigenous identity. Today this seems disrespectful and sloppy.
At home in Canada, “Indians’ as they were called at the time also donated tens of thousands of dollars to war efforts (a significant amount of money in those days), but there is little reliable data available to further quantify that. Also disrespectful and sloppy.
In the theatres of war, many Indigenous soldiers were celebrated snipers and reconnaissance scouts; their expert hunting skills came into play in less pastoral settings throughout Europe. This is so interesting, and I wish it had been taught in school when I was growing up. What else don’t I know?
I was happy to find so many Indigenous men and women who were decorated for their service in wars from this century and the last. That is, until I was astounded by the horrible things the Government of Canada did to returning Indigenous soldiers.
Because the government considered Indigenous people as wards of the state, returning veterans were not offered the same types of support as their counterparts were. For example, though it was offered to non-Indigenous soldiers, it was almost impossible for Status Indians to qualify for federal aid to help them begin farming. In fact, nearly 90,000 acres of Indigeneous land was confiscated to help non-Indigenous veterans do so. That’s hard to process, but sadly not hard to believe. To date, very little is known about what supports, if any, were available to Métis and Inuit vets.
Things have improved for some Indigenous veterans, thanks to their own efforts to democratize benefits and advocate for policy change. Warships have been named (is that ironic though?). Apologies have been issued. A monument was built in Ottawa. Compensation has been offered. That doesn’t erase history though, and that’s one of the things to think about today.
Not to sound like a broken record, but Métis and Inuit veterans have not received the same attention.
History has revealed a great disservice done to Indigenous men and women who served our great country. I grew up in a military family and I take my responsibility to reflect and remember seriously. In my mind, the term “war hero” elicits great respect. It represents sacrifice, bravery, and courage, and should be awarded to anyone who served, whether they made it home or not.
Today and everyday I am thankful for and humbled by the past and present service of Indigenous veterans, servicemen, and servicewomen from coast to coast to coast.
Where to learn more about National Indigenous Veterans Day: