Module 6 Flashcards
What role did Indigenous Peoples in Canada play during major battles?
Fought on the front line with valour and distinction
Indigenous contributions were significant across the country, especially in the Prairies.
What was the enlistment rate of able-bodied Indian men during WWI?
1 out of every 3 enlisted for service
Approximately 4000 First Nations men volunteered for the Great War.
How many Indigenous peoples are estimated to have enlisted in WWII?
Up to 6000
Indigenous peoples enlisted at higher rates than any other segment of the Canadian population.
What factors may have led to underreporting of Indigenous enlistment figures?
- Métis and non-status Indians generally excluded
- Some hid their ethnicity when enlisting
- Status Indians initially ineligible to apply
- Some enlisted in the U.S. Army instead
What were some reasons Indigenous peoples volunteered for war?
- Sense of patriotism
- Historical connection to the Crown
- Escape from poverty on reserves
- Opportunity for good-paying jobs
Did all First Nations support enlistment during WWII?
No, there were protests against conscription
Some argued against legal obligation to serve based on Treaty agreements.
What transformation did Indigenous soldiers experience on the battlefield?
Many felt a growing identity as ‘Canadian’ soldiers
Battlefield equality redefined relationships among those who served together.
Who was Tommy Prince?
An Ojibwa from Manitoba, Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldier
Known for exceptional skills and bravery during WWII.
What notable achievement did Tommy Prince accomplish in Italy?
Conducted a reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines
Reported enemy artillery positions and received the Military Medal.
What was Charles Tompkins’ role during the war?
One of the Indigenous Code Talkers
Developed coded communication systems for military intelligence.
What contributions did Indigenous women make during the war?
- Served overseas
- Worked in war factories
- Increased agricultural production on reserves
What was the impact of land appropriation on Indigenous reserves during the wars?
Many lands were appropriated for military purposes, often never returned
The Indian Act amendments facilitated land appropriation.
How did the government administer veterans’ benefits for Indigenous veterans?
Administered by Indian Affairs instead of Veterans Affairs
This led to injustices and control by Indian agents.
What was the Dependents’ Allowance?
A special allowance for soldiers’ families to augment pay
Administered by Indian Affairs, leading to potential mismanagement.
What was the Veterans’ Land Act?
Designed for the rehabilitation of returning war vets
Allowed acquisition of land and equipment, but faced limitations under the Indian Act.
What special provision was made for First Nations veterans in 1942 regarding the VLA?
Eligible First Nations veterans could apply for a possible grant of up to $2300.
What was the process for First Nations veterans applying for the grant instead of regular VLA benefits?
The process was lengthy and often demeaning, with ownership claims on chattels reserved for 10 years.
What were ‘location tickets’ granted to eligible First Nations veterans?
They allowed veterans to obtain private ownership of a certain amount of land taken from their own reserve.
What issue arose from the allotment of individual plots of reserve land to First Nations veterans?
It created significant tension among band members and led some veterans to abandon the land.
Were First Nations veterans allowed access to small business loans available to other veterans?
No, they were denied access to these loans.
What was a significant barrier to information about veterans’ benefits for First Nations and Métis veterans?
Language issues and lack of advocacy through local Legions contributed to the lack of information.
What action did First Nations veterans take in response to inequities in veterans’ benefits?
They began to act on pressures to enfranchise to gain access to veterans’ benefits.
What major legislative change occurred as a result of veterans’ advocacy in 1951?
A major overhaul of the Indian Act.
What organization was formed in the 1990s to address Aboriginal veterans’ grievances?
The National Aboriginal Veterans’ Association (NAVA).