A World War II veteran from the Sweetgrass First Nation is turning 93 years old and his community is helping him celebrate that milestone.
A banquet and round dance are being held today in honour of Sweetgrass veteran Philip Favel.
Favel is a respected war vet who saw action in Europe during WWII. In 1941, he enlisted in the armed forces at the age of 19 and was sent overseas two years later. The veteran returned home in 1945 and has remained at the Sweetgrass First Nation ever since.
He also served as Grand Chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association from 2003-2006.
The current Grand Chief of the association, Steven Ross, says it’s important to honour First Nation veterans because there aren’t too many left.
“They saw a lot of action and they faced the same danger as other soldiers out on the battlefield,” says Ross. “They made tremendous sacrifices. They left their families and communities to face danger in the front lines, fighting for the homeland, protecting all our people in Canada.”
Favel is one of only three remaining First Nation veterans in Saskatchewan who saw action on Juno Beach during World War II.