1939 - Mi’kmaq people enlist to fight in World War II

Despite the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and the fight against residential schools at home, at least 3000 First Nations people, including more than 250 Mi’kmaq, enlisted to serve in the Second World War. According to Veterans Affairs, they were joined by an “unknown number” of Inuit and Métis, suggesting actual numbers may have been much higher. Nevertheless, due to the longstanding terms of the Indian Act, upon returning home Indigenous veterans were unable to receive their pensions or the full benefits of the Veterans’ Land Act unless they first gave up their Indian status. In the eyes of the government, they were still considered ‘wards of the state, despite the fact that Indigenous contributions to the struggle for peace had been recognized with the awarding of at least 17 medals for bravery in action.

“Indigenous People – Second World War.” Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/