Indigenous Veterans Day Spotlight: The Untold Stories of Métis Veterans, Gordon White
Posted on: Nov 07, 2025
Indigenous Veterans Day is a time to remember the courage and sacrifice of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations peoples who risked or gave their lives in service of a country.
One that often failed to honour them in return.
It’s also to reflect on a hard truth, that for too long, Métis veterans have been left out of the story. Their names erased from records. Their sacrifices overlooked. Their service treated as invisible. Despite a long and proud legacy of military service, standing strong at home and abroad.
In that we reflect but also bring light to the many stories of the brave Métis veterans who fought, expecting little to no respect in return.
Among them is Gordon White, a proud Métis man from Fort McMurray. The son of Henry and Evelyn White, Gordon answered a call to serve that reached beyond borders. On May 6, 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to Vietnam within months.
At just 23 years old, Gordon died in battle on March 12, 1969. His courage earned him a Purple Heart, but his identity, heritage, roots, and belonging were stripped from the official records. Military documents listed him as “Caucasian.”
But Gordon was Métis Citizen. His story is part of a big, and proud community of Métis veterans who fought bravely and lost their lives in silence or came home to little recognition.
Our people have carried this weight of silence for generations.
It’s why Otipemisiwak Métis Government is expanding the monument at Métis Crossing, adding an addition 2,900 names. To give voices and recognition to the brave Métis veterans whose service went unrecognized.
On this Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour Gordon and every Métis veteran whose service has been overlooked. We tell their stories because remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about combating a colonial history that pushed Métis aside, and making sure this never happens in the future.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Indigenous veteran’s past and present. To Otipemisiwak Métis Citizens who served, thank you for your service and dedication.
Marsii.
