Many Native soldiers entering the active services experienced some type of culture shock,
as a result of adjusting from traditional ways to army ways. In regards to Tom's
situation, culture shock did not take place at this time. For Tom, it was more of a
culture shock entering into the residential school rather than entering into the Armed
Forces.Tom had spent three years of his life in the active services. He served in the
second division, second battalion in Europe and discharged with the rank of Corporal.
After returning home from the war, Tom searched for any job that he could find. He
worked as a guide, pulp cutter or basically any manual job working with his hands,
striving to maintain a livelihood. In this aspect Tom feels that he was not treated
fairly. He states, "There should have been some other way. I should have been
compensated for work after fighting in this war for Canada, rather than struggling for a
few cents a day."
In 1965, Tom decided to return to school to complete his high school education. He
attended Fort Frances High School, through the Adult Education Program, from 1965 to 1967.
Following those years, from 1968 to 1980 Tom was employed with the Department of Indian
Affairs of the Rainy River District. He was employed in the capacity of Community
Development Worker. Within this period of time he also worked as a Welfare Administrator
for several reservations located within this district.
When Tom enlisted in the Armed Forces he was a very proud soldier, but on the other
hand he says, "After I arrived down to where the territorial activity of war was
being actually maintained, I thought to myself, what am I doing here? What am I here for?
This is not my war."
When asked about the advice he'd offer to Native Youths, Tom replied, "You've got
to work hard, train hard to be what you want to be."
He also sees the educational aspect as a very important element in a young person's
life.
In conclusion, Tom has a few words of wisdom for his people...that there is a time for
everything:
The clock on the wall...is the god that you've got to listen to...
This is the time you've got to go to school, this is the time you've got to go to church,
this is the time you've got to do such a thing...because these things won't wait for you.
You've got to learn discipline; disciplinary actions you take upon yourself is
more educational than anything you obtain.
