During the First World War, thousands of Natives voluntarily enlisted in the Canadian military. While the exact enlistment number is unknown, the estimation is over 4,000 Native people served in the Canadian forces during the conflict. Their traditional hunting skills influenced their military roles as snipers or reconnaissance scouts, some of the most hazardous roles in the military.

Ontario-born Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow is one of the most highly decorated native soldiers in Canadian military history. He was awarded the Military Medal plus two bars for his iron nerves, patience and superb marksmanship. He was an outstanding sniper.