3.3 First Nations Legacies of World War I

Imperialism denied Indigenous people full status as citizens. They were denied the right to vote and considered Wards of the Court through the Indian Act. 

Despite these attitudes, a great many First Nations warriors fought in WWI. In fact, more than 4,000 enlisted, representing 36% of all the Status males of military age. In some reserves, nearly all the eligible men volunteered to fight. For example, in British Columbia, every male member of the Head of the Lake band between the ages of 20 and 35 enlisted.

Proportionally, more Aboriginal men volunteered to fight than all other Canadian groups.

Similar to other Canadians, First Nations men hoped they would gain respect through their bravery and loyalty. As a consequence of their action, they hoped to achieve some measure of independence.

Elders and First Nations soldiers wearing the uniform of the Canadian Expeditionary Force

Some positive outcomes were gained by Canada's Indigenous people as a result of their participation in the war. They were able to travel to other countries and see the different cultures as well as meet other First Nations people. This tended to strengthen their identities when they discussed their mutual problems. Some of these relationships would eventually help lead to the creation of Aboriginal organizations.

However, for many native Canadians, their war effort led to disillusionment. Due to some clauses regarding access to benefits, some natives discovered that they had lost their treaty rights, and to add weight to their disappointment, they found that they were denied veterans benefits because they were considered treaty Natives. The only way they could access their veterans benefits was to renounce their status as First Nations. This was a crushing blow after fighting for the rights of human beings and the recognition of nations to exist. Eventually, many First Nations people demanded full status as Canadian citizens.

Because First Nations people in Canada were not treated fairly, there was little reason for them to go to war. So why did they go?

• First Nations warriors in Canada had a well-established history of fighting for the British. The role of a warrior was an important one in First Nations cultures. Mohawk warriors had fought in the War of 1812 against the Americans and helped to defeat them on several occasions. Of note, Chief Joseph Brant had led his Mohawk warriors to defeat the Americans in the war. Later, his great-great grandson, Lieutenant Cameron Brant, died leading his men in a charge at the Second Battle of Ypres.

• The war gave young First Nations men an opportunity to act and make a difference, something that was often denied them in reserve life.

• First Nations people believed that participation in the war would enhance their claims toward full citizenship and legal equality.