The full story of Canada's long military history includes many contributions from First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. They sacrificed so much to safeguard our peace and freedom-we owe it to them to ensure they get the recognition they deserve.
Earlier this year, a group of Canadian, Indigenous and Dutch individuals created the Indigenous Legacy Project, a research and remembrance based initiative to identify and mark the graves of Indigenous soldiers buried in cemeteries across the Netherlands. The Liberation of the Netherlands was Canada's last major contribution to helping the Allies to victory during the Second World War. More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the conflict-over 3,000 of them were Indigenous.
Veterans Affairs Canada is recognizing the importance of this initiative by supporting a delegation to the Netherlands. There, they will honour, acknowledge and feast the spirit of the deceased Indigenous soldiers through traditional ceremony, to recognize the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the Second World War and thank the group responsible for the Indigenous Legacy Project.
The delegation includes family members and representatives from 13 of the recently identified Indigenous soldiers, Elders, representatives from Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones, and the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, Paul Ledwell, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. This is an opportunity for those connected to the Indigenous soldiers to honour their ancestors and reconnect with their shared history.
Associated Information
Rifleman Joseph Chalifaux, from Kinuso, Alberta, member of Royal Winnipeg Rifles, died on 7 April 1945 at 28 years old.
Private Daniel Cheer, from Brackendale, British Columbia, member of Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, died on April 12, 1945 at 24 years old.
Sapper John Culbertson, from Oshawa Ontario, member of 8th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers, died on 30 April 1945 at 33 years old.
Private John Decoine, from Wabasca, Alberta, member of Royal Canadian Regiment, died on 1 May 1945 at 33 years old.
Private George Irons, from Curve Lake, Ontario, member of 48th Highlanders of Canada, died on 13 April 1945 at 35 years old.
Private John Laforce, from Sahanatien, Ontario, member of Royal Regiment of Canada, died on 4 April 1945 at 26 years old.
Rifleman Philip Laforte, from Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, member of Royal Winnipeg Rifles, died on 7 April 1945 at 33 years old.
Rifleman Gabriel Lamirande, from Saint-Vital, Manitoba, member of Royal Winnipeg Rifles, died on 14 April 1945 at 31 years old.
Private Norman Joseph Letendre, from Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta, member of Loyal Edmonton Regiment, died on 12 April 1945 at 24 years old.
Private Robert Odjick, member of Royal Regiment of Canada, died on 17 April 1945 at 26 years old.
Welby Patterson, from Ohsweken, Ontario, member of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's), died on 14 April 1945 at 22 years old.ù
Sapper Sanford Saulis, from Maliseet, New Brunswick member of 1st Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, died on 10 August 1945 at 33 years old.
Private Edward Underwood, from Saanichton, British Columbia, member of 1st Battalion, Canadian Scottish Regiment, died on 17 November 1945 at 27 years old
