Mi’kmaq veterans served Canada with pride

It is that special time of year again to honour those great Mi’kmaq men and women who served their country and have given the supreme sacrifice so that this great country we call Canada could remain free.

They also thought that, through their efforts, they could help to free the people in Europe from the tyranny and oppression which the European countries were suffering under the German occupation.

During the First World War, 34 out of 64 male Mi’kmaq from Lennox Island in Prince Edward Island enlisted in the armed forces, distinguishing themselves particularly in the Battle of Amiens.

Thirty- four Mi’kmaq also enlisted and served overseas in the Second World War.

Seven Mi’kmaq men from Lennox Island enlisted in the Korean conflict.

The following are a couple of their experiences in serving Canada during the World Wars: STEPHEN LABOBE Stephen Labobe was the last surviving Mi’kmaq Second World War veteran.

He died on Aug. 8, 1995. According to the late Jim Hogan, “Stephen Labobe was always very neat, kept himself smartly dressed and his uniform was always well pressed and almost ready for inspection at any time. He was capable and knowledgeable of the guns.

He served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He spent considerable time as the ‘ Steel ring around Dunkirk’.” JOE TUPLIN Joe Tuplin served in both World Wars and was wounded two weeks before the armistice was signed.

Although not born Mi’kmaq, shortly after his birth his mother brought him to Lennox Island where he was raised as a Mi'kmaq.

He could speak the Mi'kmaq language very well and he was an adopted member of the Mi’kmaq Nation.

However, in 1952 the Department of Indian Affairs revised the Indian Act, and Tuplin, his wife and family had to leave Lennox Island.

Because of the federal government and a country that he had fought for in two World Wars, he had to leave the community that he grew up in and loved very much.

He moved to Rocky Point and bought a farm there, then moved to Lower Montague, where he retired.