Indian Agent Letter | Indigenous Involvement in the World Wars | From Vimy to Juno: Canadians Through Two World Wars | From Vimy to Juno: Canadians Through Two World Wars

A letter from a Gleichen, Alberta Indian Agent dated 2 January 1919 details the indigenous men from the local Blackfoot Reserve who enlisted and served. He also provides information about the men who would help with memorial efforts following the war, notably under the supervision of a "competent man." The typed letter is transcribed below.

A typed letter from an Indian Agent to Ottawa detailing local indigenous contributions to the First World War and memorial efforts. — (Indian Affairs, RG 10, Volume 6771, File 452-29, accessed through Héritage.canadiana.ca.)

*The letter is transcribed in full.*

Indian Agents Office

Blackfoot Agency

Gleichen, Alta.

Stamped: Dept. of Indian Affairs Records Jan. 2 1919

Sir, --

In answer to your letter No. 452-124-1, dated December 16th, I beg to state, that 14 Indians from the Blackfoot Band enlisted, but that 13 of them were released.

The remaining one, Mike Fox Head, went overseas, and was killed in action.

The Band has contributed, $4200.00 towards the Red Cross and Patriotic Funds, during the war.

I am enclosing a clipping from our local paper, regarding the work that the Indians have offered to do towards helping on our Memorial monument, i.e, excavating for the foundation, hauling some 15 leads of gravel, and 5 leads sand, supplying, mixing, and doing all work in connection with the concrete, of course, under the supervision of a competent man.

Your obedient servant,

[signature]

Indian Agent. Deputy Superintendent General, Ottawa, Ontario.

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