Indigenous Veterans of C Force (HKVCA)

Project Background & Objectives 

The Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association (HKVCA) launched this project to identify, recognize, and honour Indigenous veterans who served with “C” Force during the 1941 Battle of Hong Kong. While evidence suggested that Métis and other Indigenous soldiers served in the Winnipeg Grenadiers and Royal Rifles of Canada, many had never been formally identified or acknowledged. The project aimed to research these veterans, preserve their stories, and create educational resources and a dedicated website section to ensure their contributions are remembered. 

Milestones & Progress 

HKVCA began the project through volunteer-led outreach, using newsletters and social media to connect with families of Indigenous veterans. Information, photographs, and personal histories were collected from descendants and community members. The research was structured in two phases, beginning with the Winnipeg Grenadiers and later expanding to the Royal Rifles of Canada. To ensure accuracy, HKVCA sought the support of a professional researcher or genealogist to review military and genealogical records, verify Indigenous ancestry, and identify veterans whose family connections were not yet known. 

Final Impacts & Achievements  

The project helped uncover and document Indigenous veterans whose service in the Battle of Hong Kong had previously been underrepresented. Research findings contributed to the development of a dedicated Indigenous veteran's section on the HKVCA website, making these stories accessible to students, researchers, educators, and the public. The initiative strengthened relationships with veterans’ families and Indigenous communities, increased awareness of Indigenous contributions to the Second World War and ensured that the legacy and sacrifices of Indigenous members of “C” Force will continue to be recognized and remembered by future generations.