Aboriginal soldiers from Quebec the conflicts at home and abroad

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Native soldiers have always played important roles in times of conflict. They fought in all the major battles in Europe and many became distinguished snipers, code talkers and reconnaissance scouts. They continue to serve today.

Tanya Barnes with the Department of National Defence said there are currently 67,673 self-identified Aboriginal people serving in the Canadian Forces, which includes regular and reserve force personnel, as well as Rangers.

Thousands volunteered for duty in the First World War. They were not included in obligatory service because of the Indian Act.

"We're proud of the word 'volunteer.' Nobody forced us. We were good Canadians, patriots. We fought for our country," said Syd Moore, an Aboriginal Second World War veteran.

Huron-Wendats of Wendake, Que., who volunteered during the Great War, included Victor Sioui, Capitaine Ormond Picard and Joseph Picard. The latter died in battle at the age of 28 and was buried at Vimy Ridge, France in 1916. He was in the 8th Battalion, Manitoba regiment of the Canadian Infantry. There are no surviving veterans today.

The Mohawk communities near Montreal made large contributions. In the First World War, 50 Mohawks from Kahnawake and several Mohawks from Akwasasne served with the Grand River volunteers in the 114th Canadian Infantry Battalion, which was largely composed of First Nations men. Two companies within this battalion, including officers, were made up solely of status Indians. The group had its own Native-inspired crest featuring two crossed tomahawks, which had been embroidered by the Six Nations Women's Patriotic League.

The Royal 22nd Battalion, nicknamed Quebec's Van Doos, an English play on words with the number 22, had two remarkable Native soldiers both of whom received the Military Medal.

There was Private Joseph Roussin, a Mohawk from Kanesatake. He earned the Military Medal on Aug. 15, 1917 on the first day of the Battle of Hill 70 when he performed a solo attack against enemy soldiers. Injured, he nevertheless captured three prisoners.

Private William Cleary, a 20-year-old Montagnais from Mashteuiatsh, volunteered in February 1918 and joined a raiding party against enemy trenches in Lens, France. When two soldiers went missing after the raid, Cleary returned to find them and successfully brought back both the wounded men.

During the Second World War, thousands again volunteered, while this time there was conscription for certain bands. When they returned, many veterans did not receive nor were they informed of the benefits owed them as veterans. Status Indian veterans received only a small fraction of compensation compared to other soldiers. They were refused education and training grants, as well as spousal benefits.

There were nine Huron-Wendat soldiers who stood with the Allied Forces during the Second World War. Rosaire Sioui, son of Georgiana Sioui of Loretteville, was in the Chateauguay regiment of the Canadian Army and died in an English hospital in 1943 at 21 years old. Other Huron-Wendats who died included Jean-Baptiste Laine, Paul-Henri Sioui, Jean-Paul Sioui, Leo Sioui and Victor Sioui.

Fernand Laine, Donat (Don) Sioui and Patrick Sioui are surviving veterans. Patrick Sioui served as "a soldier with rifle" from 1942 to 1945 and was part of the Quebec Van Doos. This infantry battalion is the most famous francophone organization of the Canadian Forces. Its ceremonial home is the Citadelle in Quebec City where there is also a regimental museum.

Don Sioui was born in 1919 in Wendake and joined the Canadian Air Force. He also served in the American Marines. Bilingual, he became an interpreter while in France and eventually returned to his community in 1971.

A remarkable thing happened to him on his way to his 85 birthday last December. He received a birthday card from the White House signed by President George Bush and his wife Laura. Sioui greatly appreciated this gesture, which he felt showed recognition for his servie.

Fernand Laine, who received three medals, served in the Chaudiere Regiment and was in Germany on Victory Day, May 8, 1945. His daughter Reine remembers her father's story of a fellow soldier and friend from Lac St. Jean who had just written home to declare the war was over and he'd soon be heading back. The following morning, he was shot dead as he sat beside Laine in their Bren carrier.

There is also the story of a soldier recently interviewed for a special television documentary who wanted to publicly thank the driver of a Bren machine gun carrier for being his Good Samaritan as he lay dying on the road. He did not know the name of this mystery soldier. As he says, he knows only that he owes his life to an Indian from the Huron Village.

Could it have been Laine? His fellow veterans and Reine think it's possible since Laine was the only Huron-Wendat to drive a Bren carrier. Laine, who now lives in the C.H.U.L. Pavilion of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Quebec in Ste.Foy, is no longer able to confirm it.

Asked if her father had ever been part of a veterans' commemorative ceremony organized by the federal government to honor his contribution, Reine says "I don't think so, but I believe he received some money at one point but he has never been part of a special ceremony."

The Huron-Wendat nation has made a point of remembering its veterans during the annual summer powwows. In his role as cultural agent, Francois Kiowarini Vincent said his nation recognizes the courage and loyalty of those who fought for freedom and world peace. It also recognizes the significant contributions of Huron-Wendat women both at home and abroad during the wars.

At the most recent Gathering of Nations Powwow, the opening ceremonies began with a customary tribute to all veterans past and present that had served their country in any conflict. A delegation of dignitaries circled the grounds to the beat of an honor song. As part of the delegation, Vincent sang the Huron-Wendat nthem, La Huronne, written by Quebec City violinist, composer and teacher Celestin Lavigueur around 1861. Vincent's powerful baritone voice expressed the story of his proud nation.

Grand Chief Max Gros-Louis honoured Donat Sioui and Fernand Laine. Patrick Sioui was unable to attend.

"We'll never forget what you've done. We know how much you've given. Thank you," he said as he gave each a hand-made pin created by Huron-Wendat silversmith Michel Savard.

Some English second language students at a Quebec City college will write to surviving Native veterans using postcards created by Veterans Affairs. The purpose will be to provide an opportunity for young people to express gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices and efforts made by previous generations. Their contributions helped to ensure the peace and freedom young people enjoy today. These postcards will then be presented to the veterans.

In this, the Year of the Veteran, Canada has decided to honor Native soldiers past and present in a special way. On Oct. 25, 20 Aboriginal veterans and 13 Aboriginal youth selected from across the country met in Ottawa. Veterans Affairs and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs has organized the Aboriginal Spiritual Journey whose delegation will travel to some of Europe's biggest battle fields. (Windspeaker will accompany the delegation and bring the story to you next month.) The group will honor the souls of their fallen warriors. Calling Home ceremonies will take place to invite the spirits of these warriors to return to their homelands and join their ancestors. Also, an Inukshuk will be erected on Juno Beach to honor some 500 known Aboriginal war dead who are buried in Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries and other cemeteries around the world.

The delegation's return on Nov. 4 will mark the beginning of Veteran's Week throughout the country. There will be special commemorative events.

Celebrate, honor, thank, remember and teach about war veterans pastand present, reads the Year of the Veteran motto.

"I hope this unprecedented Year of the Veteran event will cast new light on the significant wartime participation, contribution and sacrifices of Aboriginal people from all across Canada," said Albina Guarnieri, minister of Veterans Affairs. "This will be a unique opportunity for Canadians to join together in recognition and gratitude."