Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation honours veterans with new war memorial [Video]

As part of their treaty rights, First Nations people did not have to enlist during the World War conflicts in the 1900s, but many stepped up for both the new country forming around them and to protect the land their people had always called home. During those wars, First Nations were regarded as heroes for stepping up to defend Canada, but upon those wars ending, their heroism was quickly forgotten.

One story shared during the service was the story of Francis Pegahmagabow, Canada’s deadliest sniper during World War II originally from Parry Sound, Ontario. He is credited with killing 378 Nazis and capturing over 300 more during his service which spanned nearly the entire war.

Principal of the Chief Ahtakakohp School Shaun Sasakamoose shared that he has shared that tough part of our country’s history with his students before, and it makes the Remembrance Day service their school hosts all …