London, Ont., woman’s uncle among Indigenous WW II soldiers being honoured in Dutch museum exhibit

Eighty years after Welby Patterson, a member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, lost his life on a European battlefield during the final days of World War II, his niece Maidy Keir will finally see him being honored in a museum exhibit in the Netherlands. Reflecting on her uncle’s sacrifice, Keir expressed her pride in him, emphasizing that he was just 22 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

The journey to the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek, the Netherlands, where Patterson will be recognized, was a result of serendipity. Keir’s daughter stumbled upon a news article about a Dutch researcher seeking to connect with family members of Indigenous soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands. This led to Patterson’s inclusion in an upcoming exhibition titled “Indigenous Liberators: First Nations, Métis and Native American Soldiers and the Liberation of the Netherlands WW II,” curated by Mathilde Roza.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Dutch liberation from Nazi occupation, making it a poignant moment to remember the contributions of soldiers like Patterson. Roza’s exhibit aims to shed light on the stories of 30 Native American, First Nations, and Métis soldiers who were involved in the war efforts in the Netherlands or were laid to rest there, including Patterson at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery.

Keir has shared family artifacts related to Patterson, such as a telegram informing them of his injuries and the notice of his tragic death. Known affectionately as “Pat” among his comrades, Patterson was admired for his service as an ambulance jeep driver, evacuating casualties during missions. His untimely death in combat was deeply felt by his fellow soldiers, who praised his bravery and dedication.

Patterson, a proud member of the Tuscarora people from Six Nations of the Grand River near Hamilton, was posthumously awarded a military medal for his courageous actions during a firefight in 1944. Keir, hailing from Moraviantown near Thamesville, expressed her gratitude for the Dutch people’s efforts to honor Indigenous veterans, a recognition that is now gaining momentum in Canada.

In the Netherlands, Roza delved into the history of Indigenous soldiers and their resilience in the face of colonization, highlighting the impact of residential schools on their experiences. As Keir prepares to attend the exhibit honoring her uncle, she is reminded of the importance of preserving her heritage and ensuring that future generations continue to honor the sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans like Welby Patterson.