| Forgotten Warriors is a documentary from the National Film Board of Canada about the men and women from Aboriginal communities who fought and died in World War 2. The video explores from a First Nations' perspective, the role these Native veterans played in Canada's war effort; the struggle they endured to claim equality with Non-Native veterans; and their efforts towards reconciliation and healing. During World War 2, Native men and women enlisted in the Canadian armed services in record numbers. This film, directed by Loretta Todd, explores the lives and wartime experiences of several veterans through reenactments, personal testimony, and archival film and photography. In the introductory segment, the narrative explores the historical context and the reasons for enlistment. Personal experiences of veterans such as Glen Douglas, Mary Greyeyes Reid, George Doxtator, Gordon Ahenakew, Wilfred Brass, John Bradley, Harry Lavalle, George Munroe, Fred L'Hirondell, Sam Sinclair, Clifford George, and Al Thomas recount the camaraderie as well as the horrors of war. Scholars such as Leroy Littlebear set the wartime experiences in context; local historian Lloyd King of New Credit recounts the family anguish when a brother is missing in action; Senator Len Marchand describes his experiences in Korea; and the most decorated Canadian soldier, Sgt. Tommy Prince from Manitoba is acknowledged. When the WW 2 veterans returned to Canada, the federal government rewarded the veterans with land under the Canadian Soldier Veteran's Settlement Act. Unfortunately, Native veterans did not receive equal treatment. Often First Nations veterans returned to find their reserve land was expropriated as part of Canada's war effort. The film also documents the emotional return of veterans and their families to European gravesites of fallen comrades to say a final farewell. This moving documentary narrated by Gordon Tootoosis is a poignant tribute to the contribution Aboriginal veterans made for Canada during World War 2. A VHS edition is also available. |
