Sept 17, 2016. A large crowd listens attentively during the ceremony and unveiling  of the bronze sculpture commemorating Sgt C.H. Byce, the most decorated Canadian aboriginal soldier of WWII

Sept 17, 2016. A large crowd listens attentively during the ceremony and unveiling of the bronze sculpture commemorating Sgt C.H. Byce, the most decorated Canadian aboriginal soldier of WWII.
Photo Credit: T Fauvelle

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 bronze memorial to Sgt C H Byce
The bronze and granite memorial to Sgt C H Byce, with elements of his Moose Cree heritage, at the Chapleau, Ontario Royal Canadian Legion. © T Fauvelle

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.

War hero Charles Byce’s son’s, Richard Byce (L) and Frank Byce (R) speak at the ceremony to commemorate their father. In the background: a member of Lake Superior Scottish Regiment Guard of Honour
War hero Charles Byce’s son’s, Richard Byce (L) and Frank Byce (R) speak at the ceremony to commemorate their father. In the background: a member of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment Guard of Honour © submitted

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.

Categories: Indigenous, Society
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do you want to report an error or a typo? Click here!

For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.