Today, November 8th (2026) is Indigenous Veterans’ Day – a day to remember all those First Nations men who enlisted in wars fighting for their country and freedom.
According to the Government of Canada website Indigenous Veterans Day … “First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country.”
In World War II, more than 3,000 First Nations young men had volunteered along with an unknown number of Inuit and Métis. Most served in the Canadian Army although some also joined the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Many Indigenous men brought unique valuable skills with them when they joined the military. “Patience, stealth and marksmanship were well-honed traits for those who had come from communities where hunting was a cornerstone of daily life. These attributes helped many of these soldiers become successful snipers (military sharpshooters) and reconnaissance scouts (men who stealthily gathered information on enemy positions).”
Indigenous soldiers earned at least 50 decorations for bravery during the war.
Willard Bolduc, an Ojibwa airman from Ontario, earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for brave actions as an air gunner during bombing raids over occupied Europe. Huron Brant, a Mohawk from Ontario, earned the Military Medal for his courage while fighting in Sicily.
Close to home are the young men of Saugeen First Nation who enlisted, some of whom returned … some who did not.
When it came to bravery, John Henry Yahba of Saugeen First Nation was a hero.
