Remembering our Indigenous veterans

Communities across Canada are observing Indigenous Veterans Day today (Nov 8).

The day was first commemorated in 1994 and recognizes the contributions of indigenous peoples to military service, particularly during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.

Many in Burlington know of the City's association with the great Mohawk and military leader Joseph Brant (aka Thayendanegea), with both the hospital and museum in his name sitting on lands he once owned. Brant fought alongside the British in the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution and was one of just 182 Indigenous people who received a British Silver medal for this service. 

But few may be aware of his great-great-grandson, Cameron Brant, who fought in the First World War.

Cameron Brant's service is highlighted on Veterans Affairs Canada's website, which notes: "For Cameron Brant and many other participants in the First World War, pride in past family achievements may have attracted them to the service. What these men probably did not realize was that they, in turn, would inspire future generations."

Cameron Brant commanded a platoon of the 4^th Canadian Infantry Battalion. He was killed in service in 1915 near Ypres, Belgium, while leading a counter-attack into the enemy's trenches. He was just 28 years old.

Another lesser-known story is that of Wilfred Obediah, who was born in 1925 on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve.

Obediah's life was researched by Juno Beach Centre (JBC) guide Inez Wirawan and highlighted by JBC on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

As a child, he was sent to the Mohawk Institute Residential School (today the site of the Woodland Cultural Centre Indigenous Preservation Museum) until he was 14. He was conscripted at 18 and immediately volunteered for overseas service. Sent to France as a Private, Obediah landed three days after D-Day in 1944.

According to the JBC, he was originally destined for the Highland Light Infantry (HLI) of Canada with the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade but was transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, also of the 9th. They were order to advance toward Caen and held the line, despite intense fighting, for over a month.

On July 8, 1944, the Highlanders advanced towards Authie. They captured the town from the Germans but at a heavy cost — 201 causalities and 55 men dead, including Wilfred Obediah, age 18.

Private Obediah was buried at the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

The JBC notes: "Through the course of her research on Wilfred Obediah, JBC guide Inez Wirawan learned that in his spare time Wilfred liked to play pool, cards, and went to the movie theatre every week. He smoked heavily and got drunk occasionally. Mostly, Wilfred liked sports and was known to be an 'enthusiastic and gifted athlete' who loved softball, hockey and swimming."

Marking Indigenous Veterans Day yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: 

“Indigenous Peoples’ legacy of courage and service continues today: there are more than 2,700 Indigenous members serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. We are thankful for their sacrifices and contributions to Canada’s security and peace efforts at home and around the world — from missions to places like Africa, the Middle East and Afghanistan in recent years, to North Atlantic Treaty Organization duties in Europe, and responding to domestic emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and patrolling the Arctic.

“We all have a duty to remember and honour the sacrifices of Indigenous Peoples who have answered the call to serve. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage everyone to take some time today to honour Indigenous Veterans and learn more about their past and current contributions to Canada’s proud military history."