Pegahmagabow : legendary warrior, forgotten hero
"'Although overwhelmed by the cheering crowd of over 50,000, Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow felt a surge of intense pride as Edward, the Prince of Wales, pinned several decorations on his chest and shook his hand. That day of pomp and pageantry in August 1919, when close to 200 First World War veterans were recognized at the Canadian National Exhibition for their valour on the battlefields of Europe, was one that he would never forget, because afterwards he ceased being treated as an equal and went back to simply being an Indian.' So begins this fascinating biography of the man decorated for bravery more times than any other Canadian aboriginal soldier. A member of the Parry Island band (now the Wasauksing First Nation) near Parry Sound, Ontario, Pegahmagabow became incensed at the way the Department of Indian Affairs controlled life on the reserve and thwarted his attempts to improve his economic situation. For the rest of his days he eagerly took part in the long, difficult battle to achieve the right of native peoples to control their own destiny. His efforts on this front are as deserving of recognition as his valiant deeds on the battlefields of France and Belgium"--Back cover
Print Book, English, 2003
Fox Meadow Creations, Huntsville, Ont., 2003