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The War Bonnet: My Story

by H. Edgar Baptiste

177 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-3237; ISBN 1-4251-1478-4; US$18.38, C$21.14, EUR14.33, £9.50

This book is about a gross injustice by the Canadian Government towards an 87-year-old Native Canadian, and his attempts to clear his name before it is too late.

About the Book

This book is about gross injustice by the Canadian Government towards a Native Canadian, H. Edgar Baptiste. Edgar was born on the Red Pheasant Reserve in Saskatchewan in 1919 and the early chapters contain his view of historical events that will be fascinating to those interested in native Canadian history. In 1941, having volunteered to fight for Canada in the 2nd World War he was injured during fighting in Hong Kong, causing him to lose his memory. The Canadian Government declared him Missing in Action at that time (when he was in fact a Prisoner of War in the notorious Sham Shui Po) and at the end of the War they notified his family that he was 'presumed dead'.

Not aware of his true identity he managed to make a new life for himself in England. Gradually his memories started to return and he spent many years trying to regain his rightful identity. Eventually in 1994 he returned to visit the Red Pheasant Reserve where, because he was recognised by old friends and relations (including his first wife) and also because he had knowledge of the Reserve and past events which only he could have known, he was welcomed 'home' by his People and acknowledged as an Elder. Certain elements would not however accept his true identity, branding him a conman.

Many people from his early life in Canada have recognised him and sworn affidavits to this effect, but so far all attempts to gain official recognition have been in vain. At 87 years of age and in poor health he is growing ever more concerned that attempts to clear his name and prove his true identity within his own lifetime are going to be too late.

About the Author

H. Edgar Baptiste is a Cree Indian born on the Red Pheasant Reserve near Battleford, Saskatchewan in 1919, and a great-grandson of the great Chief Mis-to-wa-sis. After spending his childhood and formative years on the Reserve he volunteered to fight for Canada in the 2nd World War. He was posted to Hong Kong where he sustained injuries that gave him brain damage and caused him to lose his memory. He made a life for himself in England where he married and had nine children, but was always plagued by feelings of belonging elsewhere. Eventually memories started to gradually return and he finally returned to visit Red Pheasant in 1994. In many ways this was a triumphant return for Edgar, being recognised by many and accepted back into his Band as a revered Elder, but for various reasons there were some who would not accept him. This included the Canadian Department of Defence who were loath to admit that they had made a mistake when they declared him 'missing, presumed dead' at the end of the War. Branded by some as a conman, at 87 years of age he is still fighting tirelessly to clear his name and prove his true identity.