NORTH BATTLEFORD — Hilliard Paul Kahpeaysewat is a Cree warrior from Moosomin First Nation on Treaty Six Territory. He is the vice president of the North Battleford branch of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association.
Kahpeaysewat joined the army in 2004 and served with the First Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He was deployed to Afghanistan and returned to Canada in 2010. Soon after, he went to California to help train American soldiers before their rotation to Afghanistan. He left the army in 2013 as acCorporal due to medical reasons.
Before leaving for Afghanistan, elders gave him the warrior name Esaw Key Hew (Yellow Eagle). “As a First Nation vet, the land means a lot to us. When someone attacks it and destroys our freedom, I didn’t want to allow that to happen,” he said.
For Kahpeaysewat, Remembrance Day represents the ultimate sacrifice.
“Some people say 9/11 was an American war, but 160 Canadians were killed in the Twin Towers,” he said. “When I was in Afghanistan, I realized how bad terrorism was. Canada was next on the chopping block.”
He said the army destroyed 35 terrorist training camps.
“I always tell people, when you were asleep in your beds, I was in a cave in Afghanistan at Christmas. That’s why I’m a vet.”
When he left the military, Kahpeaysewat said he didn’t believe he was a veteran until elders reminded him of his purpose.
“They told me, we didn’t give you that warrior name to show off. You have to be humble. You need to tell your story and pass it on to the youth.”
He said the elders taught him that the youth watch everything veterans do. “I want them to know there’s a reason for Remembrance Day,” he said.
Kahpeaysewat and the veterans’ association ensure that when older First Nations veterans pass on, they receive a proper burial with a 21-gun salute, flag ceremony and full military honours.
He also shared that he struggled with PTSD after leaving the army and received help through the Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic in Saskatoon.
“It’s not worth it to self-medicate. You have to have faith,” he said. “Coming back, I didn’t think I was worthy. You didn’t want to show it because people think you have to be a tough infantry soldier.”
Today, Kahpeaysewat continues to serve his community as a Knowledge Keeper and an advocate for past veterans and for those who want to join the army.
“We should be proud of protecting our land.” Kahpeaysewat said.
Besides helping other vets he also helps widows with paperwork and connects them with liaison workers. He also visits schools to share his story.
“I’m not looking for respect,” he said. “I’m looking for the need to be needed."
