Algonquin Regiment adds historic second name to official title
News Release
June 23, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army and Defence Team Champion for Aboriginal Peoples, announces the addition of the name “Northern Pioneers” to the official title of The Algonquin Regiment, a Canadian Army Reserve unit based in North Bay, Ontario.
This announcement follows an event held in Parry Sound, Ontario, where a bronze statue was unveiled in honour of Company Sergeant-Major Francis Pegahmagabow. He is the most decorated Aboriginal soldier of the First World War and was a peace-time member of the 23rd Regiment, Northern Pioneers.
One hundred years ago this year, approximately 1500 soldiers from the Muskoka region departed for the frontlines of the First World War as members of two overseas battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. In honour of this anniversary, the Canadian Army is proud to include this historically significant title in the new regimental name: The Algonquin Regiment (Northern Pioneers).
Quotes
“The addition of the “Northern Pioneers” name brings the history of The Algonquin Regiment and the military presence in Northern Ontario and Muskoka back to the forefront. It allows us to perpetuate the legacies of all those from this region who valiantly served under The Algonquin Rifles and The Northern Pioneers. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
“As the most decorated Aboriginal soldier of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, it is a tremendous source of pride to The Algonquin Regiment that CSM Pegahmagabow initially served with a unit that would become a key part of The Algonquins. This historical relationship wonderfully illustrates the long and proud history of welcoming and developing Aboriginal members from Central and Northern Ontario that The Algonquin Regiment has maintained.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Ken McClure, Commanding Officer, The Algonquin Regiment (Northern Pioneers)
Quick Facts
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The Northern Pioneers originated in 1903 in Parry Sound, Ontario as the 23rd Regiment, Northern Fusiliers. They were re-designated the 23rd Regiment, Northern Pioneers in 1904 and amalgamated with the Algonquin Regiment in 1936. The unit encompassed communities spanning the Muskoka region and brought distinct First World War battle honours to the amalgamated Algonquin Regiment, including Arras, Hill, Ypres and Flanders.
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Company Sergeant-Major Francis Pegahmagabow deployed as a member of 162nd Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, where he served with the 1st Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force in the battles of Ypres, the Somme and Passchendaele. He was an expert sniper, scout and messenger and remains one of only 38 Canadians awarded the Military Medal with two bars for acts of bravery.
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The Defence Team proudly celebrates the rich cultural diversity, history and contributions that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made to Canada’s military. The Team actively engages Aboriginal Peoples across the country to highlight their common ethos and works with Aboriginal communities to increase awareness of what the Canadian Armed Forces has to offer.
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Associated Links
- The Algonquin Regiment
- The Algonquin Regiment Lineage
- Courage Under Fire: First Nations War Hero Fights on Two Fronts
- Two Tributes to Legendary First World War Aboriginal War Hero
- Veterans Affairs Canada – Biography of Francis Pegahmagabow
- Canadian Armed Forces Aboriginal Programs
- Aboriginal Peoples in the Canadian Armed Forces
Canadian Army Links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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