Aboriginal Veterans
More than 7,000 status First Nations served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War, and an unknown number of Inuit, Métis and non-status First Nations also participated. One Aboriginal Veterans group estimates that 12,000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit served in the three wars. Aboriginal Canadians also served in peacetime special duty areas.
More than 200 Canadian aboriginal soldiers were killed or died from wounds during the Second World War. aboriginal soldiers earned a minimum of 18 decorations for bravery in action. They participated in every major battle and campaign, including the disastrous Dieppe landings and the pivotal Normandy invasion.
Aboriginal Canadians actively contributed to the war effort on the home front, working in factories and increasing agricultural production on their reservations.
Aboriginal Veterans: Stories of Honour and Heroism, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
By the end of the two world wars, First Nations had donated a sizable amount of money to war relief funds like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army and many generously gave reserve lands for use as airports, rifle ranges and defense posts.
aboriginal women made sacrifices and contributions during the times of conflict: tending sick and wounded soldiers; being active in patriotic leagues, and participating in Red Cross societies, collecting food, money and clothes to ship overseas.
