Update: memorial to WWII indigenous hero

On September 17, 2016, hundreds of people in a small northern Ontario town, came to honour the memory of Sgt Charles Henry Byce.

Politicians, Byce’s family members, veterans, representatives of the Moose Cree and aboriginal drummers, along with residents of  Chapleau, Ontario, gathered at the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for the ceremony to unveil a bronze a granite tribute to Sgt Byce.

RCI- Sept 12- Honouring an aboriginal hero

Roger Chum, President of the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association (ONECA) said he hopes Byce’s service will inspire other aboriginal youth in Canada.

“Charlie Byce went from being a child of the residential school system, to being Canada’s most highly-decorated Indigenous hero of World War II.  We hope his bravery, resilience, and service will inspire Canadians of all ages, especially Indigenous youth, to aspire and create their own positive journeys.”

The sculpture was created by well-known Sudbury, Ontario, artist Tyler Fauvelle, who has created many beautiful sculptures commemorating important people and events.

In speaking at the event, Fauvelle said, “In time, World War II will pass from all living memory.  Our monuments are important, because they’re a legacy of remembrance.  For generations, they will stand in honour of those who fought for civilization”.

Members of the Lake Superior Scottish Regt.and cadets formed a guard of honour for unveiling of the statue to the war hero, the most decorated indigenous Canadian soldier of WWII.

One of his commendations (for the Distinguished Conduct Medal ) reads “His gallant stand, without adequate weapons and with a bare handful of men against hopeless odds will remain, for all time, an outstanding example to all ranks of the regiment.”

Along with the DCM, Byce was awarded the Military Medal (MM) Only a handful of Canadians have ever received both. Remarkably, Charlie Byce’s father, Henry (Harry) Byce, was one of them. A WW I hero, Harry Byce received a DCM, as well as the Médaille Militaire, the French equivalent to the MM.  A father and son, each receiving a DCM and MM across two world wars, is unique in Canadian history.