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The Great War begins
According to 'A Commemorative History of Aboriginal People in the Canadian Military', when the war first began, Canada had an inconsistent policy to not recruit status Indians. This policy was created due to British fears regarding enemy reactions. The rules of war from the Geneva Convention stated that: “Germans might refuse to extend them to the privileges of civilized warfare.” -
Indigenous Sniper Enlists
An archive in the Library of Canada states that Francis Pegahmagabow of Parry Island enlists with the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Valcartier, Quebec. He would later go on to become the most highly decorated Indigenous soldier in Canadian history, with a total of 378 kills in 4 years. This sniper had captured dozens of prisoners, and won the military medal with two bars. -
SNWPL is formed
By November, the Six Nations Women’s Patriotic League or SNWPL is formed on an Ontario reserve. These strong women contributed by collecting money, food and clothing to send overseas. They also provided knitted socks, mufflers, sweaters and bandages. Young girls even did their part by hand-making items to send to soldiers. (Great War Centenary Association). -
Discrimination against SNWPL
While the exact month is unknown, research shows that there was injustice towards this war-supportive organization. Knitting for soldiers overseas was banned by the Department of Indian Affairs, due to the fear of smallpox. A member named Evelyn Davis wrote to the department, and the ban was later lifted. (Great War Centenary Association). -
The 114th CEF battalion is authorized
According to Reading and Remembrance, the 114th battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), also known as Brock’s Rangers consisted of many Indigenous soldiers. Due to the fact that many of them were Iroquois, the SNWPL decorated their flag with Iroquoian symbols. This battalion left for Britain in November 1916, and we acknowledge their great war contributions. (National Canadian Defence and Canadian Forces). -
The 114th CEF battalion is disbanded
After about a year overseas, the 114th Canadian Expeditionary battalion, or Brock’s Rangers, was disbanded. Upon return to Canada, many of their members went on to join an engineering brigade. This brigade consisted of over 500 native Canadians. (A Commemorative History of Aboriginal People in the Canadian Military). -
Military Service Act is passed in Canada
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, due to a lack of soldiers overseas, the government passed the Military Service Act which allowed conscription. Even though Treaty Indians did not have normal citizenship rights, there was no exemption for them. (Marianopolis College). -
Military Voters Act is passed
In late August of 1917, this one-time franchise was given to Indigenous soldiers and veterans. It gave them the right to vote in the federal election, without losing their Indian status. (Canada's History). Polling stations were set up on reserves, if not possible to reach one. (Canadian Encyclopedia). -
Order in Council is passed
In response to the 1917 Military Service Act, the Order in Council (PC 111) was passed. Status Indians were officially exempted from combat roles, and the process for them to postpone industrial/agricultural work became easier. (Collections Canada). -
The Great War ends
When Indigenous soldiers returned home, the Soldier Settlement Act was meant to help veterans begin farming. Unfortunately, it was very difficult for Status Indians to qualify. 85 844 acres of land were taken from reserves. Métis and Inniut access to this plan is still unknown. (Indigenous and Northern affairs Canada)
