John Moses carried his father’s unspoken pain – a pain born not on the battlefields of Korea, but on the streets of his own homeland. Russell Moses, a decorated naval veteran, returned to Canada in 1952 only to be denied service in a bar simply because of his race. This wasn’t an isolated incident, but a stark reality for Indigenous soldiers who fought for a nation that didn’t fully accept them.
Russell’s story echoes through generations of Indigenous military service, stretching back to the Second World War where his father, Ted Moses, served as an air force mechanic. The irony wasn’t lost on these men: risking their lives for the sovereignty of others, only to find their own rights diminished upon their return. They fought for a world free from oppression, yet faced prejudice within their own borders.
Indigenous Veterans Day, born from a grassroots movement in Winnipeg, now stands as a nationally recognized tribute to these complex experiences. Historian Scott Sheffield describes it as a vital precursor to Remembrance Day, a moment to acknowledge a unique wartime experience where some found a refuge from the racism that plagued daily life.
The question often arises: why would Indigenous people willingly fight for a country that marginalized them? The answers are as varied as the individuals themselves. For some, it was adventure or economic necessity. But for others, it was a powerful declaration of belonging, a demand to be recognized as full members of Canadian society.
Tommy Prince, one of Canada’s most decorated Second World War veterans, embodied this sentiment. He went to war, he famously stated, to prove that an Indigenous man was just as capable as any other. He carried a quiet determination to excel, to shatter stereotypes, and to earn respect through his unwavering service.
The shared hardship of combat forged a unique bond. In the trenches, character, not ethnicity, mattered. Soldiers cared only if their comrades had their backs. This camaraderie, this earned respect, was the most treasured reward for many Indigenous veterans – a temporary escape from the prejudice they faced at home.
But the acceptance rarely lasted. Returning to Canada often meant shedding the respect earned on the battlefield and reverting to being “just an Indian again.” The hope for lasting change, for a more equitable society, often dissolved into disillusionment. Many veterans, seeking to recapture that sense of belonging, volunteered for the Korean War.
The numbers tell a compelling story of sacrifice. Over 4,000 Indigenous people served in the First World War, a remarkable rate of enlistment – nearly one in three able-bodied men. Communities were profoundly impacted, with some sending every man between the ages of 20 and 35 to war. More than 3,000 First Nations people served in the Second World War, though historians believe the actual number may be closer to 4,300.
The federal government acknowledges the unfair treatment endured by Indigenous soldiers and the broken promise of improved rights. The consequences of this betrayal continue to resonate within Indigenous communities today, leaving lasting physical and social scars.
Now, a renewed focus on reconciliation has spurred efforts to properly recognize Indigenous veterans. Initiatives like the Last Post Fund Indigenous Initiative are working to identify and mark the graves of forgotten heroes, ensuring they receive a dignified burial and a lasting memorial.
Floyd Powder, a 32-year veteran himself, dedicates his time to locating unmarked graves, advocating for headstones that incorporate Indigenous symbols and languages. These markers aren’t just stone; they are acknowledgements of service, symbols of respect, and a testament to a history long overlooked.
Indigenous Veterans Day doesn’t diminish the significance of Remembrance Day, but rather enriches it. It expands the narrative, illuminating the contributions and sacrifices of those who fought for Canada while simultaneously battling prejudice within its borders.
Ultimately, recognizing the experiences of Indigenous veterans serves as a powerful reminder of the mutual respect and camaraderie forged in wartime – a glimpse of a more inclusive future that existed long before the current reconciliation efforts. It’s a lesson in coexistence, a path forward built on understanding and honoring the sacrifices of all who served.
