The 107th Timber Wolf Battalion, Indigenous Participation in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War One and Some Lingering Questions a Century Later…

What we know-and what we don’t… How many? Were they initially barred from Service? Once in, were they marginalized?

Racism and Indian Status

Depictions as the enemy

So, why enlist? James Dempsey, “Warriors of the King” (1999) 1-opportunity for warrior spirit to resurface, return to tradition 2-expression of longstanding relationship with the Crown (not nec. Canada) 3-an escape from monotony and confinement of reserve life

Pass System 1885-1951

Was there a ban? Belief based on Sam Hughes memo, 8 Aug.1914-recomm. banning status I Indians from CEF Richard Holt (2014)-never official policy Hundreds enlisted during the time of the “ban” Paternalism rather than racism-protection (Wm. Lickers, POW Ypres,1915)

Military Training at Residential Schools

On the home front-File Hills Strong support for the war effort

File Hills Recruits (24 of 38 able-bodied men)

188th Battalion Prince Albert

Origins of the 107th A “Frontier” Battalion Lt. Col. Glen Campbell. Lt Origins of the 107th A “Frontier” Battalion Lt. Col. Glen Campbell Lt. Jack Campbell

Boulton’s Scouts 1885 Campbell to P.M. Dec.1914 “ I can get the class of men born and bread on the wilds before settlement was; self reliant at all times and places; good riders and shots; men who can go anywhere without roads or transport waggons and take care of themselves under all conditions. … I believe that a body of Indians from different tribes would be glad to go with me and for scouting and guerilla warfare they could not be beaten… the main point is that I want to go with a corps of irregular cavalry.”

107th Authorized Nov. 4,1915 1,700 volunteers, over 700 rejected number of Aboriginal recruits unknown (Holt)

In England, 107th designated a “Pioneer” Battalion Marginalization… James Dempsey… ‘it is a sad testimony to attitudes of the period that many Indians who enlisted in hopes of becoming combat troops were instead recruited by pioneer battalions and units of the Canadian Forestry Corps and Canadian Railway Troops.”

107th “Pioneer” Battalion Holt-Pioneers, infantry with special training “In short, pioneers were a cut above their infantry counterparts”

“Pioneer” Designation saved the 107th On arrival in England, no need for new infantry battalions in France Four complete Divisions New arrivals were broken up to serve as reinforcements Campbell offered 107th’s services as a construction battalion to keep them together Winegard “..the last complete unit from western Canada to join the Canadian Corps.”

First Action-Vimy, April 1917 “…to assist in burying cable and improving communications through No man’s Land”

Hill 70-August 1917 107th followed lead waves Dug trenches up to 500 yds. into No Man’s Land (orig. front lines to new positions) gassed 21 killed,140 wounded over 2 days 17th Aug. volunteers to search for wounded, brought in 30 bodies and 25 wounded-84 men gassed

Hill 70 first use of Mustard gas

Oct.1917 Passchendaele

Nov.1917 Cambrai

Canadians at Cambrai

Oct.1917-Campbell Died May1918 107th disbanded into First Canadian Engineers

Tom Longboat “Canada’s Greatest Runner”

Longboat at Arras

Arras 1918

Joe Keeper July 1,1918

Oliver Milton Martin

Alex Decoteau

Through the war-decline in reserve conditions… Greater Production Soldier Settlement Contributed to the growth of political action…

Cpl. Joe Dreaver 107th Chief of Mistawasis (Dreaver v. Regina 1935)

Francis Pegahmabagow

Enemies?

The Conquerors- Eric Kennington (originally The Victims)1920