WW 1
First Nations soldiers have played a vital and often under-recognized role in Canada’s military history. During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indigenous men voluntarily enlisted, despite initial government resistance to their participation. One in three able-bodied First Nations men of military age joined the fight, serving in every major theatre of war alongside non-Indigenous Canadians. Their bravery was undeniable—at least 50 were awarded medals for heroism, and many gave their lives on foreign soil.
We have identified at the least three First Nations Highlanders who served with the 15th Battalion CEF (48th Highlanders). One is 1090464 Pte Mitchell Peter Oke from Cornwall Island. He attested into the 253rd Battalion (Queen’s University Highlanders) Kingston. That battalion was absorbed into the 5th Reserve Battalion. He was sent in a reinforcement draft from the 253rd Bn to the 15th Bn on 25 November 1917 and assigned to No. 2 Company. He served two attachments to the 3rdAustralian Tunnelling Company before being wounded on 01 Sept 1918 during the attack on the Crow’s Nest.
WW 2
In World War II, indigenous enlistment continued, with an estimated 3,000 – 4,500 joining the Canadian forces. The exact number is not known, as Inuit, Métis, and non-Status Indigenous peoples were not officially recorded as Indigenous when they enlisted. They served as infantrymen, snipers, scouts, and in support roles, often drawing on traditional skills and deep knowledge of the land.
Pte George Bradley Irons was born at Curve Lake, Ontario On the 16 July 1909. A proud member of Canada’s Anishinaabe First Nations community, he spoke fluent English and Ojibwe. He enlisted in August 1942 and, after his basic training, he was taken on strength of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa on November 1st, 1942 and later, on the 4th of February 1944, he was taken on strength to the 48th Highlanders of Canada. He was wounded in Italy in May 1944. Sadly Private George Bradley Irons was killed in action on April 13, 1945, during the Liberation of Twello in the Netherlands—part of the final Allied push in the Second World War.
Despite their service, many Indigenous veterans returned to face the same systemic inequalities they had known before the war—denied benefits and recognition afforded to their non-Indigenous peers. Yet their commitment to Canada never wavered.
Modern era
Today, First Nations soldiers continue to serve with distinction in the Canadian Armed Forces, contributing to peacekeeping missions, domestic operations, and leadership roles. Their legacy is one of resilience, loyalty, and courage—an enduring testament to their place in the fabric of Canada’s military story.