We remember them.
According to Veteran’s Affairs, the role of Indigenous service in World War One, World War Two, the Korean War and later the Canadian Armed Forces efforts is a proud one. While exact numbers are elusive, it is estimated that as many as 12,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people served in the great conflicts of the 20th century, with at least 500 of them giving their lives in defense of their country.
The following excerpts are from a series of speeches being presented by students at the Eliza Archie Memorial School Remembrance Day service and offer a brief look at the service of seven Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation members who volunteered to fight for Canada.
Morris Dixon, Private, C Scot R / L Edmin R
Morris Dixon was born January 16, 1917 to Theresa Frank of the Stanislaus family and William Dixon. He left his home in Lac La Hache in January 1941 to start his army training, officially enlisting with the Canadian Army on Feb. 8, 1941. Upon completing his training as a gunner he was sent overseas to London, England.
Morris was posted to various places and at some point in 1943, he ended up in Sicily where he was taken prisoner. He was a prisoner of war for 18 months and remained in the POW camp until the end of the war.
As with many other prisoners, his time as a prisoner took its toll on his health, and he lost a tremendous amount of weight. He was officially discharged on Sept. 10, 1945.
Edward Frank Dixon, Sr., Gunner, RCA
Edward Dixon received his conscription papers in the mail and travelled to Vernon in February of 1941 to begin his army training. Training also took him to Esquimalt and to Otter Point on Vancouver Island. While at Otter Point he wrote to his family that he was missing them and was wishing for his horse. He passed the requirements for the artillery and was enlisted as a Gunner in the Canadian Army.
He recalled his journeys, first landing in London England, before travelling by boat around the Rock of Gibraltar through the Mediterranean to Sicily, Italy, and on through France. He talked about the huge military camps along the beaches of France.
Dixon recalled, “it was like a tent city” with a mix of Canadian, American, British, and Australian troops. He volunteered to drive a Padre around to say the Mass in various churches and thereby was introduced to the Catholic religion. He was discharged on Oct. 16, 1945,
Peter Christopher, Private, Infantry, Red Cross
Peter served his country in both World Wars in the European theatre.
In World War One he was active duty infantry while in World War Two he was called up to the Army Reserves and based in northern England. Like many other veterans, Peter was forever scarred by what he witnessed at war with all its tragedies.
While he was in the Army Reserves, he served as a support for his fellow community veterans, who counted on him on their leave time. His presence kept them grounded and he gave them comfort in the absence of family and home. He was discharged on July 24, 1945.
Sam Archie, Private, Infantry
Sam Archie enlisted on May 16, 1941 and completed his training at the Vernon Camp, before being deployed to London, England. He was skillful at riding a motorcycle and used this to deliver messages to the front lines in Europe. It was said that while doing this dangerous task, Archie never used the same route twice, either in getting to the destination, or in returning.
He was wounded in the war and was left with one kidney, a reminder of his service. For his emotional scars, well, time on the land eased those. Sam was discharged on Jan 25, 1946
Henry Bob, Sapper
Henry Bob enlisted on May 24, 1941. He completed his training, learning engineering skills.
Bob helped to build bridges for the army convoy that had to cross waterways on its way to the front lines. The bridges were important for the delivery of artillery supplies and equipment, for food, and for the use of the Red Cross. As a Sapper, part of his service included going ahead of those at the front lines, checking for landmines.
It was also recalled by his relatives that Bob took pride in looking after his army belongings. On rare occasions, he shared his memories of the realities of the war experience. Henry was discharged on April 29, 1944.
Julian Charles Boyce, Army Reserves
He served his country on two occasions in World War One in active duty and in World War Two in the Army Reserves back east. He received medals and was recognized for his courage and his bravery. It has been said that although he returned from a violent environment overseas, he remained a kind and gentle person treating everyone with respect.
During that turbulent time of his life, in the midst of the war, he befriended a soldier from a neighboring community. They supported each other and survived the return home.
Julian was discharged Aug. 2, 1943.
Louis Emile
Louis was a veteran of both World War One, and World War Two serving in the European theatre for both wars. Researching his service was challenging, as it was later learned that he was just 14 years old when he enlisted, and his last name had a different spelling in the Army records (this was known only later). He did break his leg while on duty in World War Two and had difficulty with the injury after that.
