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Forgotten Warriors

This documentary introduces us to thousands of Indigenous Canadians who enlisted and fought alongside their countrymen and women during World War II, even though they could not be conscripted. Ironically, while they fought for the freedom of others, they were being denied equality in their own country and returned home to find their land seized. Loretta Todd's poignant film offers forth the testimony of those who were there, and how they managed to heal.
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This documentary introduces us to thousands of Indigenous Canadians who enlisted and fought alongside their countrymen and women during World War II, even though they could not be conscripted. Ironically, while they fought for the freedom of others, they were being denied equality in their own country and returned home to find their land seized.

Loretta Todd's poignant film offers forth the testimony of those who were there, and how they managed to heal.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) War, Conflict and Peace History - Canada - 1920-1945 All subjects
Indigenous Cinema
  • director
    Loretta Todd
  • script
    Loretta Todd
  • producer
    Carol Geddes
    Michael Doxtater
    Jerry Krepakevich
  • executive producer
    Graydon McCrea
  • camera
    Jim Jeffrey
    Ali Kazimi
    Jean-Pierre Lachapelle
    Kirk Tougas
  • sound
    Chris Aikenhead
    Brian Avery
    Lindsay Bucknell
    William Butler
    Garrell Clark
    Leon Johnson
    Michael McGee
    Hans Oomes
    Don Paches
  • editing
    Shirley Claydon
    Gerald K. Wilson
  • sound editing
    Marc Benoit
  • sound mix
    Marc Benoit
  • narrator
    Gordon Tootoosis
  • music
    Wesley Lowe
    Russell Wallace
  • participant
    Gordon Ahenakew
    Chief Joe Apassin
    Nora Apassin
    Chief Gerry Attachie
    John Bradley
    Leroy Little Bear
    George Doxater
    Mary Greyeyes Reid
    Wilfred Brass
    Harry Lavalle
    Bernelda Wheeler

Education

Ages 14 to 17
Mini-Lessons
Mini-Lesson - Forgotten Warriors
School subjects
Civics/Citizenship - Human Rights History - Canada 1946-1991 Indigenous Studies - Issues and Contemporary Challenges Social Studies - Social Policies and Programs
Why did it take so long for World War II Aboriginal soldiers to receive recognition for their contribution to the war effort? How did the legacy of their suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the reintegration policies of the Canadian government contribute to problems that remained unresolved decades later? Students should compare and contrast the treatment of WWII Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal soldiers with that of soldiers from the Korean War and the Afghanistan mission.

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