Thousands of Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people enlisted in the Canadian army during the Great War. In Europe, many of these men were scattered from one unit to another. In 1915, however, the Canadian government authorized the creation of a dedicated unit for indigenous people: the 107th Battalion (Winnipeg), CEF, nicknamed the “Timber Wolf”. Deployed to Europe, the men of the battalion immediately proved their worth.

Many Indigenous soldiers have been celebrated for their military service in the Canadian Army during the First World War. Indigenous enlistees such as John Shiwak, Francis Pegahmagabow and Henry Norwest are frequently lauded for their past military feats and—if they survived the war—contributions to their communities

With the outbreak of the First World War, the 107th Battalion (Timber Wolf) was one of two Canadian units—the other being the 114th Battalion (Haldimand)—that were comprised mainly of Indigenous and Métis troops. As the Haldimand mainly acted as a reserve unit, the Timber Wolf was the only battalion of its type to see action in Europe. The members of the 107th showed outstanding dedication to duty throughout their war service, from Vimy Ridge to Hill 70.

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Article written by Julien Lehoux for Je Me Souviens.