1.7 I Read I Think Therefore Activity_organizer

During World War I, Canadians serving overseas faced a range of experiences that shaped their contributions and legacies, many of which are still remembered today. From Indigenous soldiers to French Canadians, nurses, Black soldiers, and airmen, each group had their own unique challenges and triumphs.

Francis Pegahmagabow and First Nations Soldiers
Imagine the heartbreak of a mother watching her son leave for war, knowing that this could be the last time they would see him. For Indigenous families, this was a familiar pain, one that echoed throughout the war. Edward Ahenakew shared how devastating it was for Indigenous mothers to send their sons to fight in a war that demanded their participation, despite the deep-rooted racism they faced. While Indigenous soldiers like Francis Pegahmagabow and Henry Norwest served bravely, they were denied citizenship and often faced racial prejudice even within the military. Their heroism was overshadowed by the systemic discrimination they experienced both during and after the war. The painting by Richard Jack, which depicted the fierceness of Canadian soldiers during gas warfare, speaks volumes about their resilience and determination, yet Indigenous soldiers were not granted the recognition they deserved. Despite their courage, their contributions went largely unacknowledged, with no real progress in how they were treated.

Leo Le Boutillier, Thomas-Louis Tremblay, and French-Canadian Soldiers
On the frontlines, French Canadians fought with immense pride for their country and their heritage. Leo Le Boutillier and Thomas-Louis Tremblay represented the countless French-Canadian soldiers who were driven by national pride and a determination to prove that Canadians—especially those from Quebec—were just as tough and resilient as anyone. But back home, French Canadians were facing growing opposition to the war effort, fueled by heavy casualties and a bitter anti-war sentiment. At the front, language barriers complicated their ability to follow orders and earn promotions, making them feel alienated. Yet, despite these challenges, their successes helped forge a national identity for Canada. Though their battles were fraught with struggles, the formation of the French Canadian regiment and their eventual recognition marked some progress, though the road was tough.

Mae Belle Sampson, Katherine MacDonald, and Nurses Overseas
While the war raged on, women like Mae Belle Sampson were doing their part in unimaginable ways. With limited opportunities at home, many women saw joining the war effort as a chance to escape oppressive domestic lives and prove their worth. As nurses in war-torn fields, they worked under grueling conditions, in overcrowded and under-equipped hospitals where mental and physical strain was constant. The danger they faced wasn’t just in the hospitals but also on the hospital ships, as evidenced by Mae Belle Sampson’s tragic death when her ship was torpedoed. Despite the heavy toll, these nurses helped reshape perceptions of women, showing strength, resilience, and bravery. Although their work came at great personal cost, their contributions to the war effort marked significant progress for women in the workforce.

Jeremiah Jones and Black Canadian Soldiers
For Black soldiers like Jeremiah Jones, the war was a brutal test of courage against more than just enemy forces. While he demonstrated remarkable heroism during the Battle of Ridge in 1917, saving his unit from a machine gun nest, his bravery went unrecognized due to the racial prejudice that was deeply embedded in the military structure. Jones was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal, but his race cost him that honor. It wasn’t until years later that his contributions were acknowledged, as Dr. Leslie Oliver and others fought to bring attention to the sacrifices made by Black Canadians. Despite facing overt racism, Jones’ posthumous recognition in 2010 signified a step forward in recognizing the vital role of Black soldiers in Canadian military history.

Billy Bishop and the War in the Air
The war also saw the birth of aerial combat, and Billy Bishop, Canada’s most famous pilot, became an emblem of this new form of warfare. Canada’s reputation in the skies grew as nearly a quarter of all British pilots were Canadian by the end of the war. However, this public fascination with heroic pilots like Bishop often overshadowed the brutal realities of aerial combat. The development of machine guns mounted on planes, the rise of bombers, and the deadly “dogfights” left pilots with life expectancies measured in weeks. The harshness of war in the air was far from glamorous, but it marked a significant leap in military technology and tactics. For Canada, this was a period of notable progress in the development of aviation, shaping the future of the country’s air force.

Francis Peahmaganow

• Indigenous soldier who served in WWI.

• Known for fighting for Canada despite facing discrimination.

• Part of the First Nations contribution to the war effort.

Made Belle Sampson / Katherine MacDonald / Nurses Overseas

• Nurses who served overseas in WWI.

• Played vital roles in caring for soldiers on the front lines.

• Showcased women’s significant contributions during the war.

Jerimah Jones / Black Soldiers

• Jerimah Jones: A notable Black soldier who served in WWI.

• Black soldiers faced racial discrimination but fought bravely.

• Part of No. 2 Construction Battalion, the only all-Black unit in the Canadian Army.

Billy Bishop

• Canadian air ace and a fighter pilot.

• Credited with 72 aerial victories.

• Recognized as one of Canada's most famous WWI heroes.

Leo Le Boutillier

• Francophone soldier who fought in WWI.

• Fought for the Canadian Corps, played a role in Canadian efforts in battle.

Thomas-Louis Tremblay

• French-Canadian soldier.

• Contributed significantly to the Canadian military efforts during WWI.

• One of many French-Canadians who fought despite opposition to conscription.

French-Canadian Soldiers

• Faced tensions due to opposition to conscription.

• Fought in large numbers for Canada, often despite lingering resentment over conscription laws.

• Played key roles in the Canadian military effort on the front lines, especially at Vimy Ridge.