Remembering BIPOC soldiers and their contributions on Remembrance day

Thousands of the Indigenous soldiers that lost their lives have unmarked graves and their contributions to their country are not recognized. CREDIT: UNSPLASH

ANNA MCIVOR

The University of Guelph’s annual remembrance service, which took place on the morning of Nov. 11, was well attended by students and faculty members, as well as members of the public.

After a short ceremony at Branion Plaza, those in attendance formed a community walk to War Memorial Hall where wreaths were laid, a local choir sang and there was a moment of silence.

While such services seek to acknowledge all those who fought and lost their lives, members of Black and Indigenous communities still often remain forgotten. This article hopes to bring to light just some of their contributions during the wars.

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Indigenous Veterans Day

Indigenous Veterans Day was held on Nov. 8 and was marked at the University of Guelph for the first time this year. This comes after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation took place on Sept 30. A short ceremony was held that included the lowering of the Canadian flag, and Dr. Cara Wehkamp spoke during the 15-minute event. Wehkamp is a special advisor to the Provost at the University of Guelph on Aboriginal Initiatives, and her work is focused on accessibility and support for indigenous students in higher education.

Thousands of the Indigenous soldiers that lost their lives have unmarked graves and their contributions to their country are not recognized. The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte work to change this by identifying those that served so that they can be honored. They work with a national group that is working to change the narrative surrounding Remembrance Day to ensure that the contribution of Indigenous soldiers is recognized properly.

During WWI, Indigenous soldiers could be drafted for service yet did not have the right to vote. The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte are working to identify those that served and provide them with a headstone that properly recognizes their service to the crown.

Black Guelph soldiers who fought in WWI

Several soldiers who were born and resided in Guelph were part of the Number Two Construction Battalion, also known as the Black Battalion. This is the first and only unit in Canadian military history entirely comprised of black soldiers.

It was formed in 1916, after several years of protest from black men that wanted to join the fight and yet were continually rejected due to their race. Finally, the Canadian government removed this divide and formally allowed black soldiers to enlist. eral previously failed attempts. The editor of the Canadian Observer wrote about the decision and included a slip that volunteers had to return. Courtney wrote to this editor about enlisting and following in the footsteps of his brother who had managed to join.

This was published in the Observer with the headline ‘HF Courtney Loyal to his Country. Brother Training. Wants to do his bit.’ Both Courtney and his brother served in France and both survived the war. Courtney passed away in 1947, aged 57.

Victor Goines also enlisted in the Number Two Battalion. Goines was born in Guelph in 1893, and his grandparents came to Wellington County after escaping slavery in Maryland. Goines also served in France as part of the reorganized Number Two into the Number Two Construction Unit.

Although a lot of the men part of this unit were eager to fight, they never saw the frontlines and remained unarmed. Instead, they worked as laborers cutting trees, loading trains, and mending roads. Victor was discharged in 1919 and noted to have had very good conduct and character. He was awarded the British War and Victory Medals. Victor Goines died at age 65.

These soldiers, as well as many more, tell the story of a war fought both at home and abroad. They are an important part of Guelph’s role in the war.