Aboriginal Veterans

Aboriginal Involvement – WHY? -Aboriginals volunteered in every major war (and continue to) -volunteered despite not having ANY RIGHTS WHY? *hoped to prove worthiness of equal rights *hoped to improve existing rights

Enfranchising Soldiers -many Aboriginals unknowingly lost status upon enlisting -many told they must Enfranchise in order to earn entry to war as a: -soldier -worker -nurse -chef

Double Standard Equality Issue -Aboriginal soldiers were treated as equals on the battlefield: same uniforms, weapons, supplies completed same drills, training etc given same tasks, responsibilities etc -Upon returning home:  Treated as an Indian Act Indian  all equality lost

Veterans Land Act What is the VLA? -incentive benefit for Canadians to enlist in war - $6000 grant / low interest loan given to “most” veterans of WWII -money to be used to invest in land or business

Veterans Land Act: Aboriginal Discrimination Aboriginal Experience: -received $2300 -Indian Agents received $  held it in trust for FNs -long wait times some never received $ -Indian Agents persuaded FNs to enfranchise before receiving $ -many unknowingly lost status for receiving $ Canadian Experience: -received $6000 -mailed a cheque directly + immediately -$ sent immediately -most land received was RESERVE LAND  CUT OFF LANDS

Positive Effects of Wars (Mainly WWII) -treated as equals during wartime -great learning about world cultures  realized that the poor treatment at home was unacceptable  realized that there was a type of Holocaust happening in Canada -returned inspired to change Canadian discrimination – formed groups to led to major changes to the Indian Act *ability to vote *potlatch allowed *land claims allowed

Notable Aboriginal Soliders Francis Pegahmagabow Sgt. Thomas Prince