Lest We Forget: Lest We Ignore.

The Journey of Justin Roy, An Indigenous WWII Veteran

In the vast repository of World War II history, many stories stand out as powerful testaments to individual soldier’s resilience and patriotism against the complex nature of identity, service, and citizenship. For Remembrance Day, it is fitting to share the story of Justin Roy, an Indigenous Canadian veteran whose life journey spans the reserve of M’Chigeeng to the shores of Juno Beach on D-Day, and whose bravery was not respected at home, causing him to leave Canada for Mesa, Arizona.

Justin Roy was born and raised on the M'Chigeeng reserve in Canada. His father died at 13 and he left home to work in lumber camps, eventually finding his way to a steel mill in Sault Ste. Marie.

A CALL TO SERVE

In 1943, at 19, Roy enlisted to serve what he believed was his country-Canada. For Roy and others, joining was no simple feat. They faced additional scrutiny, fighting against a system rife with systemic bias. Unlike non-Indigenous counterparts, they had to prove their worth repeatedly, challenging prejudices that underestimated their capabilities, starting in World War 1 when they were not permitted to enlist, but they did.

The biggest test came on June 6, 1944—D-Day. As part of the second wave storming Normandy's Juno Beach, Roy found himself thrust into one of history's most pivotal battles. The cost was staggering; only 45 of the 200 men in his unit survived. Roy's own survival was a testament to his resourcefulness and will to live. "On about the second day, I crawled under a tank that had been blown up and played dead for two days," he recounted, "and that was only the beginning."

For Roy and his fellow Indigenous soldiers, the fight at Juno Beach symbolized more than just the struggle against Nazi tyranny. They literally fought for their lives, as they demonstrated their stamina, capability, and an unwavering dedication to a cause and a country that failed to recognize them as equals.

AN UNFULFILLED PROMISE

The bitter irony emerged upon his return to Canada. Like many minority veterans, he encountered a cold reality that starkly contrasted with the brotherhood of the battlefield. Denied re-employment and faced with blatant discrimination, Roy's disillusionment reached its peak when he was refused service at a local bar for being an "Indian." "I just broke down," he recalled.

The final blows came when applying for veteran benefits. The Canadian government informed Roy that he was not entitled to keep the farm machinery he bought with his veteran’s grant and worse, he was not recognized as a Canadian! A cruel twist for a man who had risked his life for the country. This legal quagmire, which affected many Indigenous people born under unique circumstances or on reserve lands, felt like a betrayal of the highest order. "They may not want me," Roy told the Manitoulin Expositor, "but that doesn't erase who I am or where I come from."

His words encapsulate the resilience of a man facing systemic injustice, clinging to his identity in the face of governmental denial. This post-war treatment reveals a dark chapter in Canadian history that took decades to end. Despite their sacrifices, they were often excluded from veteran pensions, land grants, and other reintegration programs. The federal policy, classified Indigenous individuals as "wards of the state," deeming them ineligible for the same compensations as other veterans. “It felt like a door was slammed shut in my face. I’d given years of my life to serve this country, thinking I belonged, only to be told I was not one of them.”

Heartbroken and disillusioned, Roy and his wife made the decision to relocate to Mesa, Arizona. They sought a new beginning, hoping to find a sense of belonging that Canada had denied them. Yet even in this new land, challenges persisted. Despite excellent credit, they struggled to secure a bank loan, forcing them to live in their car for a while.

ADVOCACY AND LEGACY-LOST CANADIANS

In Arizona, Roy found an ally in Don Chapman, an advocate for "Lost Canadians"—individuals denied citizenship due to complicated or unjust laws. Chapman, who had faced his own citizenship struggles, reached out to support those like Roy who had been unjustly excluded from their rightful status. Bill C-37 in Canada rectified some of those issues. 

Roy built a life of community and purpose. He ran his own business until the age of 97, a testament to his indomitable spirit and he adds, his PTSD. In August, he celebrated his 100th birthday as West Bay Band-Manitoulin Island's last known living First Nations World War II veteran.

The story of Justin Roy serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Indigenous soldiers and the systemic failures that denied them proper recognition. As Canada (and the United States) continues to grapple with its’ history, Roy's story emphasizes the importance of honoring all soldiers equally and upholding the rights of all veterans,

As we remember the sacrifices of veterans like Justin Roy, we must also confront the uncomfortable truths of our past. Their stories compel us to ensure that all veterans, regardless of background, receive the respect, support, and recognition they deserve. In doing so, we honor not just their service, but their enduring fight for justice and equality.

Lest we forget the complex, inspiring, and sometimes painful journeys of heroes like Justin Roy—their stories continue to educate, inspire, and drive us towards a more inclusive and equitable future. I was proud to share this story in a meeting held this weekend at an unrelated event for Changemakers at a ANAVET (ANAF)  Veteran’s Hall, which accept all returning veterans, (unlike Legions).  November 8^th has officially become Indigenous Veteran’s Day in Canada.  

Lest we ignore. More than ever, in North America, we must ensure that our veterans get the respect and help that they need, which is why Niurka Castaneda’s documentary produced by Amor Umbrella Film Company, Keep on Living about the PTSD crisis amongst veterans needs to get the funding and attention that it deserves. 

About the Author:

Randi Winter is known as the passionate inclusive connector. She is an inclusive specialist in and journalist of inspired pursuits. She’s involved in many charities including DiabetesandMe.org, The Eye Contact Foundation, CHW and Lost Canadians to name a few. She has written and co-authored several books. She is a dual US+Canadian Citizen originally from New York and now Vancouver BC. Her years in the travel industry have given her the insight, connections and passion to create #traveldreams2memories. She can be reached for comments. ideas or travel requests at [email protected] www.thep2plife.com