Growing recognition for Inuk war hero John Shiwak brings ‘sense of relief’ says relative

Even though he died more than a century ago, fighting far from home, seeing Inuk war hero John Shiwak’s growing recognition for his sacrifice is a relief for his family.

Lance-Cpl. John Shiwak, who was born in Rigolet in 1889, is believed to have died in Masnières on Nov. 21, 1917 while fighting to liberate France in 1917 as a member of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. He was buried but in the ensuing heavy battle, his gravesite was lost.

On Thursday, July 2, there was a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony at the school believed to be located close to where he was killed and bears a plaque honouring Shiwak, with his great- grand niece, Ranger Sally Shiwak in attendance.

Speaking to an audience that included Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, as well as other dignitaries and officials, Sally Shiwak said growing up in Labrador she knew her great-grand uncle was someone to be proud of.

“He’s remembered for his skill, his service and his courage during the First World War,” she said, at times overcome with emotion.

“Today I’m standing here in France, I’m reminded of how far he travelled from home and the sacrifice made by him and so many of his generation,” Sally Shiwak said.

“As a Canadian Ranger it means a great deal to take part in this ceremony. I’m proud to represent my family, my community and Labrador as we honor his memory.”

Speaking after a wreath-laying ceremony at Masnières Newfoundland Memorial, Sally Shiwalk said she felt honoured to be where her great-grand uncle once served.

She said it was an emotional experience to be at the school and have so many people there to remember her relative.

“I didn’t think I was going to feel that way until I actually started reading my speech. And then all the emotions flooded out,” she told CBC News.

More than a century after his death, he is still remembered in their family, she said.

Sally Shiwak said she became a ranger because it was interesting work, but she’s also been inspired by her great grand uncle.

She said seeing him get that recognition brings her a “sense of relief, in a way. Because not many of us knew much about him until, like, recently. And now I can pass that history back to my family and friends at home.”

Frank Gogos, chair of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment advisory council, says John Shiwak was thoughtful, intelligent and well-liked within the regiment.

“He’s also one of the tragic figures of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment,” Gogos said. “He understood that you hunted. He never understood why he was hunting humans”

He said the focus on John Shiwak’s life and sacrifice is important.

“His story is also tragic, not just because he died during the war but because he himself questions the why were we doing this?”

The wreath laying ceremonies in Masnières on Thursday was part of a number of commemorative events held in recent days in northern France.

In nearby Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial the new replica Danger Tree was unveiled on June 30 and there were ceremonies to remember the sacrifices made 110 years ago at the Battle of Beaumont Hamel.

Earlier on Thursday morning there was a ceremony at Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial to honour the brave actions of a few men against daunting odds.

In April of 1917, a group of just nine members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, aided as well by a British soldier from the 1st Essex Regiment, held off a German attack for hours by giving the impression they were a much stronger force. It prevented the small French village from falling into enemy hands. 

For Capt. Tyson Besso of the 1st Battalion of the Newfoundland Regiment, it was an honour to be in France and partake in the ceremonies as parade commander.

Despite the harsh conditions of warfare, like mud, rats and lice, Besso said there’s also admiration to be found in the “Monchy 10,” a moniker given to the defenders.

“This is a story of valour,” he said. “There’s also tremendous loss because those were the only defenders left who kept an entire German battalion back.”

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