Profile of Xavier Michon

Profile of Xavier Michon Shimaginish June 1989 - Volume 1 No.2

Honouring a Native Veteran and a Builder - by Gwen Kakeeway

Missed but Remembered...Xavier Michon

The military history of Canada's Native Veterans is a bold and mighty account. Their deeds are now part of our heritage and their names are not forgotten. Their actions tell a tale of the courage, endurance and self sacrifice which inspired these men to a common purpose. The echoing words of the man we honour today, accounts for a shared pride the Native Veterans felt in the years of the wars, "We were all fighting for the same cause".

Xavier Michon rose to meet a challenge in his lifetime that few would dare to confront. At the age of twenty, in 1940, Xavier enlisted in the army. He saw action in both North Africa and in Italy. He was part of an artillery company which was commonly called the "Nine-Mile Snipers". His sergeant was confident in his bravery and repeatedly assigned him the midnight watch, the period when surprise attacks would most likely occur.

Xavier was one of the Canadians who fought their way up the boot of Italy, through the mountainous regions, battling the enemy, the rain, and poor conditions. In Africa, Eisenhower had been quoted as saying about the men who fought there, "The troops that come out of this campaign are going to be battle-wise and tactically efficient". Xavier Michon was one of the very men Eisenhower spoke of with conviction.

The stories of battle are ones of blood and blazes, of courage and heroism. Xavier was wounded in battle and his acts of heroism were commemorated with five medals. These included: The 1939-1945 Star--for 6 months service on active operations; The Italy Star--for operational service in Italy; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal--for 18 months voluntary service; Defence Medal--for 6 months service in Britain; The 1939-1945 War Medal--for 28 days of service on active operations.

When he returned home he went back to his pre-war job at a bakery in Port Arthur. He became a master baker and manager before he left this job in 1951. He then worked his way up from pulling logs to super calendar operator at Abitibi Provincial Paper Mill, until 1968. Even while he worked at the paper mill he had begun volunteering for issues of concern with Native people. He, with 35 young people, began the movement toward what is now the mammoth corporation, Thunder Bay Indian Youth Friendship Centre. Xavier's years of dedication as a founding father, volunteer and Director for the Friendship Centre do not go unrecognized. His social engineering exceeded his dream of offering services to the urban Native people.

His years were not long by most standards, but he left a rich legacy to the Native people and to his country. His children, grandchildren, and all those who lead a good life because of him have good reason to be proud. Missed but remembered, Xavier Michon.

In September, 1989, the Indian Youth Friendship Society is celebrating its 25 years of operation. As part of this celebration, a portrait of Xavier Michon will be unveiled, as a commemoration to his memory and in gratitude.