Forgotten Warriors - Part I

We live on the ancestral and unceded lands of Miꞌkmaꞌki. But in times of war we did not show much gratitude to the stewards of this land. The time to do so is long overdue.

More men from Sipekne’katik and nearby Mi’kmaq lands served during the two World Wars and Korea than most people are aware. The lists of those who served are long. Their reasons for enlisting were varied. But despite the racism they endured, regular meals, clothing and decent shelter were often enough motivation to enlist. Two of these Mi’kmaw warriors did not return from the Great War.

Peter Maloney was born in Sipekne’katik and enlisted with the 193rd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders at age 22. He later transferred to the 42nd Royal Highlanders of Canada when he was overseas. Arriving in England in October, 1916, he could not have known that he would give his life at Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917, less than six months later. Peter was only 23 years of age.