Eel River Bar, a Mi’kmaw community in northern New Brunswick, celebrates its veterans with a deep sense of pride, as multiple generations find various ways to honor their legacies. Arianna Gauvin Sanders, aged 17, has delved into her community’s military history, particularly focusing on her great-grandparents, Michael and Margaret (Pictou) Labillois, who both served in the Second World War.
Expressing her desire to understand the significance of their contributions, Arianna shared, “I wanted to learn more about everything they’ve done,” noting how it connected her more deeply to her family history. Engaging in a high school credit program with North Shore Legacy, she dedicated her efforts to researching Indigenous veterans and their roles in the First and Second World Wars.
During her journey, Arianna noticed a significant lack of documentation on Indigenous soldiers from that era compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. In 2024, she embarked on a meaningful trip to Normandy to retrace the footsteps of New Brunswick soldiers landing on Juno Beach. There, she performed the Mi’kmaw honor song at a ceremony and placed tobacco ties on the graves of Indigenous soldiers.
Statistics from Canada indicate that over 3,000 First Nations members enlisted during the Second World War, alongside an unknown but likely higher number of Inuit and Métis soldiers. Reflecting on their contributions, Arianna emphasized, “Even though they weren’t acknowledged as Canadian citizens, they bravely served their country.”
Now a Grade 12 student, Arianna took on the role of master of ceremonies at her school’s recent Remembrance Day event for the second consecutive year. Each year, she eagerly searches for her great-grandparents’ banners among the 33 banners displayed in Eel River Bar to honor Mi’kmaw veterans in the community, expressing her profound sense of pride and joy in seeing them recognized.
Former chief Jake Caplin shared his personal tradition of hanging a banner honoring his great-grandfather, Joseph Simonson, who served in both World Wars. Inspired by a similar initiative in Presque Isle, Maine, Jake initiated the banner display in their community, commemorating the contributions of the 885 registered members, including those who also served in the U.S. military.
Reflecting on the enlistment numbers, Jake emphasized the members’ commitment to fighting for their country, despite historical injustices. Colleen Gauvin, Arianna’s grandmother, echoed the pride felt by her granddaughter, emphasizing the importance of honoring their family’s history and legacy through the banners displayed in Eel River Bar.
Colleen recounted how her mother, Margaret (Pictou) Labillois, seized the opportunity to join the Air Force during the Second World War, hoping to support her family financially. Serving as a photo reconnaissance technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division along the Alaskan Highway, Margaret later became the first female chief of Eel River Bar, leaving a lasting impact on Mi’kmaw cultural revitalization.
Michael Labillois, Colleen’s father, a residential school survivor, served as a private first class in the Service Corps Transport in various locations during the war. Despite enduring harrowing experiences, Colleen fondly remembers her father’s resilience and is immensely proud of his service and return home.
In reflecting on her community’s legacy of service, Colleen emphasized the pride and resilience that define their identity, stating, “That’s who we are. We’re very proud people.”