indigenous veterans

5 articles

Sep16

2017What national monument is dedicated to the memory of those Canadians who served during the American Civil War?

The National Memorial in memory of Canadians who served during the American Civil War is located in Long Sault, Ontario. Unveiled on September 16, 2017, this unique monument recognizes the contributions of more than 40,000 Canadians who volunteered for both the Union and Confederate forces—an astonishing two percent of Canada's population at the time. The memorial’s three-metre black granite obelisk, along with commemorative walls and benches, stands as the only monument in Canada solely dedicated to these volunteers and their complex legacy. As of September 2025, it marks its 8th anniversary, honoring the individuals whose names and stories might otherwise remain hidden in history.

Oct25

1915Who is considered one of Canada's most decorated Indigenous war veterans who served during the Second World War and the Korean War?

Sergeant Thomas George Prince, M.M., born in Petersfield, Manitoba, is widely recognized as one of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous war veterans, having served with distinction during both the Second World War and the Korean War. A descendent of Chief Peguis of the Saulteaux, Prince earned international acclaim for his daring actions as part of the elite First Special Service Force, famously earning both the Military Medal and the U.S. Silver Star for bravery. In one mission near L’Escarène, France, Prince trekked 70 kilometres over rugged terrain without food or sleep for 72 hours to deliver vital intelligence, leading to the capture of more than 1,000 enemy soldiers. As we mark the 110th anniversary of his birth in 2025, Prince’s legacy endures, celebrated in numerous memorials and especially at the Sergeant Tommy Prince School in his hometown of Scanterbury.

Mar9

1889Which highly decorated Canadian Indigenous soldier is regarded as the most effective sniper of the First World War?

Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwa from the Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound, Ontario, is recognized as the most effective sniper of the First World War and one of Canada’s most highly decorated Indigenous soldiers. Renowned for his exceptional marksmanship and bravery, Pegahmagabow is credited with 378 confirmed kills and the capture of 300 enemy soldiers—an unparalleled record among Allied forces. Despite being wounded twice and awarded the Military Medal with two bars for acts of heroism, he remained a humble figure, later dedicating his life to Indigenous rights and leadership. His remarkable legacy is honoured today across Canada, including a memorial cairn built from Parry Island river rocks and the naming of a Canadian Ranger building in his memory.

Oct13

1886What is considered the first memorial erected to the memory of an Indigenous person in Canada?

The Joseph Brant Memorial Statue in Burlington, Ontario, stands as the first memorial erected in Canada to honour an Indigenous person, Captain Joseph Brant, also known as Thayendanegea. Celebrated for his military leadership during the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolutionary War, Brant was also a highly respected diplomat and Principal Chief of the Six Nations. This impressive bronze statue was unveiled on October 13, 1886, by Ontario's Lieutenant Governor John Beverley Robinson and rededicated in 2000, marking its enduring significance in how Indigenous histories are publicly commemorated. Today, the memorial continues to inspire reflection on both the legacy of Captain Brant and the evolving ways in which we honor Indigenous leaders.

Sep13

1775Who is the first woman to be recognized with a memorial erected by the Government of Canada?

Laura Ingersoll Secord, known as Canada's "heroine of Beaver Dams," was the first woman to be formally recognized with a memorial erected by the Government of Canada in Queenston, Ontario. Her courageous 20-kilometre journey on June 22, 1813, through American-occupied territory to warn British forces changed the course of the War of 1812. The government contributed $2,000 for her memorial, a twelve-foot-high granite monument, and later honored her legacy with a special stamp marking the 200th anniversary of her daring action. Today, as we celebrate the 251st anniversary of her birth, Laura Secord's remarkable story continues to inspire Canadians nationwide.