Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour the countless Indigenous men and women who bravely served in Canada’s armed forces. Their stories are not only of courage and resilience but also of an enduring dedication to their communities and country. One such individual, who embodies the spirit of service and bravery, is Bill Woodward.

Bill’s story is one of remarkable courage and sacrifice. In 1943, at only 19 years old, Bill left the familiar lands of Northern Alberta to join the Royal Canadian Armed Forces during World War II. Lying about his age to enlist, he was soon shipped off to Europe, where he would be tested in some of the most grueling combat scenarios of the war.

The most notable engagement of his military career was at Monte Cassino in Italy—a pivotal and bloody battle in the Italian Campaign that cost around 55,000 Allied lives. In this clash, Bill and his platoon fell into a German ambush despite Bill—his bush savvy coming in handy in wartime—having warned his lieutenant that something was wrong. This resulted in heavy casualties and his capture.

For 108 harrowing days, Bill endured captivity, while back home his mother, Mary Victoria McKenzie held onto hope despite having received a letter stating that her son was missing in action and presumed dead. For weeks and months, she would meet every train arriving in town with the belief that her son would come home. Against all odds, her faith was rewarded, and Bill returned to his family—a hero with a lifetime of stories to tell.

His acts of bravery continued well beyond the battlefield. Bill’s lifelong commitment to helping others shines in stories of his everyday heroism. From rescuing accident victims over the edge of a cliff to saving co-workers with a broken hip after a railroad accident, he continually put others’ safety before his own. These selfless acts earned him numerous accolades, including a Sharpshooting Award, a Humanitarian Award, and the Alberta Centennial Medal for Lifetime Achievement.

For Bill, however, his most cherished token was his volunteer pin, a testament to his proud spirit of service. It symbolized not only his contributions on the front lines but his unwavering dedication to helping others throughout his life.

Today, we reflect on the sacrifices of Indigenous veterans like Bill Woodward. These men and women joined the ranks of Canada’s armed forces, driven by loyalty to their communities and the desire for a better future. Indigenous soldiers have served with distinction in both world wars and in conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide. Their contributions often went unrecognized, but their stories and sacrifices have left an enduring legacy.

Willow Lake Métis Nation honours the memory and spirit of Indigenous veterans who, like Bill, embody the strength, resilience, and selflessness of our communities. This Indigenous Veterans Day, we stand united in respect, remembrance, and gratitude for their sacrifices and for the freedoms they safeguarded for future generations.

Lest we forget.