Book description
Francis Pegahmagabow was a remarkable aboriginal leader who served
his nation in time of war and his people in time of peacefighting all
the way. In wartime he volunteered to be a warrior. In peacetime he
had no option. His life reveals how uncaring Canada was about those to
whom this land had always been home.
A member of the Parry Island band (now Wasauksing First Nation) near
Parry Sound, Ontario, Francis served with the Canadian Expeditionary
Force in Belgium and France for almost the entire duration of the
First World War, primarily as a scout and sniper. Through the horrific
battles and inhuman conditions of trench warfare, his actions earned
him three decorations for braverythe most ever received by a Canadian
aboriginal soldier. More recently, they inspired the central fictional
character in Joseph Boyden's highly acclaimed novel Three Day Road.
Physically and emotionally scarred by his wartime ordeals, Francis
returned to Parry Island to try to rebuild his life. He had been
treated as an equal in the army, but quickly discovered things hadn't
changed back in Canada. As a status Indian his life was regulated by
the infamous Indian Act and by local Indian agents who seemed bent on
thwarting his every effort to improve his lot.
So, Francis became a warrior once morethis time in the even longer
battle to achieve the right of aboriginal Canadians to control their
own destiny.
In compiling this account of Francis Pegahmagabow's remarkable life,
Adrian Hayes conducted extensive research in newspapers, archives, and
military records, and spoke with members of Pegahmagabow's family and
others who remembered the plight and the perseverance of this warrior.
Originally published by Fox Meadow Creations, Pegahmagabow emerges
again in this new Blue Butterfly Books edition, which incorporates
additional material and updates some aspects of this unforgettable
storyand the confusion that still surrounds it.
"Francis Pegahmagabow, sniper, scout, and later chief of
Wasauksing First Nation ... is one of Canada's most important
heroes."
-Joseph Boyden, author of Three Day Road
ADRIAN HAYES grew up in Parry Sound and has degrees in history and
journalism. He has been active in many efforts to bring Pegahmagabow
long overdue recognition. He lives in Newmarket and works in publishing.
