The
war proved that the fighting spirit of my tribe was not squelched through
reservation life. When duty called, we were there, and when we were called
forth to fight for the cause of civilization, our people showed all the bravery
of our warriors of old. Mike Mountain Horse, First World War Veteran 1
Excerpt
from Native Soldiers – Foreign Battlefields – a highly recommended
text resource available online Click
here to access it.
The following are links that
teachers may use for lesson integration. They include video recordings along
with text. I highly recommend them! Click here to access the Veteran Affairs online resource.
For
assistance, please contact Jan Gladish, District Helping Teacher, Aboriginal
Department at
gladish_j@sd36.bc.ca or 604 502-5710
Mr.
Petit, a veteran of the Korean War, explains the involvement of various members
of his family who served in wartime, dating back to the Riel Rebellion.
Mr.
Petit received six months' basic training in Ipperwash, Ontario then moved
west.
Now in
Korea, Mr. Petit describes some of the duties of his PPCLI unit.
Mr.
Petit talks about the relationships between Canadian soldiers and members of
the forces of other countries in Korea at the time. He also speaks about the
quality of Canadian rations and reflects on the end of hostilities. He then
goes on to offer his thoughts on the purpose and significance of the war in
Korea.
Mr.
Sinclair speaks of the difficulty he encountered as a Cree going into an
English-only school system at the age of 5 years. He also recalls the day
Canada declared war on Germany in September 1939 and his later enlistment in
the Canadian Army.
Mr.
Sinclair thinks back to the fair treatment he received as an Aboriginal serving
in the Canadian Army during the Second World War.
Mr.
Sinclair remembers his first engagement with the enemy.
Mr.
Knockwood talks about enlisting at the age of 18 and what he knew about the
Korean War at the time.
Defending Our Principles - A Message to Youth
Mr.
Knockwood discusses the messages he would like to send to the youth of our
country.
Mr.
McVicar talks about Japan's refusal to surrender, and life in the Tropics with
scorpions and malaria.
Mr.
Borchert recalls how the Aboriginal Spiritual Journey was conceived, and how it
was important in order to bring the spirit of fallen warriors home.
Mr.
Borchert encourages aboriginal youth, and anyone else thinking they have no
future, to serve in the military. To be a warrior for peace and use the
opportunities it presents to make their dreams come true.