1. Aboriginal Veterans

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Notable Aboriginal Soliders
Francis Pegahmagabow
Sgt. Thomas Prince