Today, November 8th (2023) is recognized as National Indigenous Veterans’ Day, to honour those First Nations, Métis and Inuit who served in Canada’s armed forces.
Saugeen First Nation held its first tribute dinner at the Mason Recreation Centre to honour their veterans, many of whom were part of the 160th Battalion (Bruce) of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF).
The evening began with Marsha Roote, daughter of former Chief Vernon Roote (recently deceased), showing a slide presentation of a visit to several battle sites, cemeteries and the Vimy Monument. The trip organized by Chief Vernon Roote from Saugeen First Nation and Chief Greg Nadjiwon of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, also included three youth from each band.
While in Europe, the group also visited Juno Beach and cemeteries where First Nations soldiers are buried, and also toured Belgium, Holland and Germany.
Following the presentation, local historian Bill Streeter, who has researched in depth the First Nations men who served in the war, brought up in a slide presentation the names of the 35 men of the SFN who served with the 160th Battalion and their military histories of survival and, in some cases, their deaths.
The 160th Battalion Bruce was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) during World War I (the Great War) that sailed to England in October, 1916.
“This is so important to have this history,” said Lori Kewaquom. “For many of us, we have heard these names from our elders and to learn more is important for future generations.
The Bruce County Museum has done a wonderful job helping us with research. There is a display case in the Museum lobby that will be there until November 30th in the hopes that the community will have an opportunity to see it and give any feedback.”
Several displays were set out by families that featured photos and service histories of relatives who had served in both World Wars and also the United States Marines.
The Root family has a long history of men who served in the armed forces, including both World Wars and in Somalia with the U.S. Marines.
Christopher Kewaquom, born in 1879, was 37 when he enlisted in Southampton in April, 1916. Although recruited into the 160th, he became part of the 18th Battalion Canadian Infantry serving France. He was severely wounded in the Battle of Arras in France and was medically discharged and shipped home where he convalesced in hospital in London.
Kewaquom received the Military Cross that was bestowed upon him by King George.
