Dick Patrick not only fought bravely in WWII, but fought for inclusion back home
Dick Patrick was a soldier from Sai’kuz who was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the Second World War, but back home in Vanderhoof he was refused restaurant service because he was Indigenous.
"Despite their service and valour, many Indigenous veterans, including Patrick, returned home to face continued prejudice and discrimination.” On October 23, 1945, Patrick was invited to Buckingham Palace and stood face to face with King George VI, who awarded him the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished conduct.
However, when he returned home six months after he was awarded the medal, Patrick was once again faced with the racism from his upbringing. When he died in 1980, Patrick was buried in his home community of Saik’uz First Nation with full military honours.