Francis Pegahmagabow (Wasauksing First Nation)

Francis Pegahmagabow
Born	1889
Occupation	soldier

Francis Pegahmagabow was a decorated First Nations soldier.

In Anishinabek News

• Home community: Wasauksing First Nation
• November 2019: He enlisted at the start of the First World War in August 1914. During the war, he served as a scout and sniper, earning the Military Medal three times. He is credited with 378 kills and single-handedly capturing 300 prisoners. After returning to Wasauksing First Nation, he served as Chief for many years but faced constant interference from Indian Agents. Despite his military heroism, he had his federal voting rights revoked because of his Indigenous status.
• March 2020: His life is explored in a story written by David A. Robertson for the anthology This Place: 150 Years Retold.
• May 2021: He was a veteran of the First World War who later served in leadership roles with Wasauksing First Nation. He was shortlisted by the Bank of Canada as a candidate to be featured on the Canadian five-dollar bill. He participated in regional and national advocacy movements to promote First Nation rights in Canada.
• April 2023: Born in 1889, he enlisted in August 1914 with the 23rd Regiment and served as a sniper and scout during the First World War. He was credited with 378 kills and 300 captures, earning the Military Medal with two bars and several other service medals. He served as the Chief and a Councillor for Parry Island First Nation, now known as Wasauksing First Nation. He was the Supreme Chief of the National Indian Government, an early First Nations political organization. He advocated for Treaty rights and opposed the Indian Act after being denied land and equipment loans under the Soldier Settlement Act.
• April 2024: He is one of the figures whose military narrative is included in the book Warriors & Nations: Voices from the Original Peoples.
• October 2024: Francis Pegahmagabow was cited by Pierre Debassige as an inspiration for joining the Canadian Armed Forces.
• May 2026: He shared traditional knowledge about the udjibbom, or shadow, with anthropologist Diamond Jenness during a 1929 study. As a child on Shawanaga First Nation territory, he was given gunpowder by his foster parents to keep his soul and shadow alert for spiritual blessings. He survived major Great War campaigns including Ypres, the Somme, Passchendaele, and the Scarpe before becoming a prominent advocate for treaty rights. He served as a councillor for Wasauksing First Nation.
• August 2026: A new elementary school in Parry Sound was named in honour of this highly decorated First World War veteran and community leader. He served as the Chief of Wasauksing First Nation and was a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights. His legacy of service and leadership is intended to inspire students at the new Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School.