Tidbits

Did you know?

• It is estimated that many more thousands of Aboriginal people enlisted in the war effort than is what recorded. Métis and non-status Indians who enlisted were not recognized as being Aboriginal so their official numbers are not included in the 3, 090 official list of veterans
• There are many untold stories of Aboriginal war veterans
• Over 3, 090 Aboriginal men and women volunteered for WWII
• Most of the volunteers came from western Canada
• Over 200 Aboriginal soldiers lost their lives
• Over 18 Aboriginal men earned decorations recognizing their bravery in battle
• Most Aboriginal men served in the infantry
• Aboriginal veterans were a part of every major campaign and battle during the war including Dieppe and the Normandy Invasion
• 16 Aboriginal and Métis soldiers were taken as prisoners of war by the Japanese in Hong Kong
• Aboriginal people did not have the right to vote or have full Canadian citizenship at the time of WWII, yet many chose to volunteer for the war effort
• It wasn't until November 11, 1992 that Aboriginal Veterans were allowed to place a wreath at the cenotaph during the official memorial service. Prior to that they had to wait until the official service was over to recognize their fallen comrades
• Racism was real issue that faced Aboriginal soldiers throughout WWII
• Canadian Aboriginal veterans were not recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs during and after the war years. They were not eligible for benefits unless the become enfranchised

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