Hear the Untold Story of a Canadian Code Talker from World War II | Short Film Showcase

[@NatGeo]

Did you know there was a special unit dedicated to creating a unbreakable code based on the Cree language during WWII? How has Checker's story added to or altered your knowledge of WWII and the Canadian code talkers?

[@freakyflow]

I am a proud Metis Canadian. We say proud because of the feats of our forefathers that set for us out to follow In war And peace. My family thru the ages have served in many wars Grandfather spoke Cree And French/English And was selected for scouting And intell He was not apart of the Canadian code talkers But knew of them. He was one of many that saved lives On the beaches of Normandy. Logistics, interactions with the locals on Street signs being changed around from the Germans to confuse the Canadians And finding out strengths of the enemy And what equipment was ahead And at the same time working with french resistance that was blocking and fighting the German reinforcements trying to get to Normandy These units would relay real time messages on the distance of the reinforcements And where abouts Which was then coded to others ......The Canadian Army was the first to finish all of its objectives in Normandy And with the same amount of fighting as any other..He would be wounded in France as Canadian tanks rolled out of a town just mere minutes as the German army And panzers came into it He and many like him were heros in my book

[@somebrownguy3882]

I’m a Cree Indian from northern Canada, this story warms my heart, and knowing I can speak the language today as a younger person makes me even more proud to be indigenous! I just watched this today and I have the most utmost respect to those native men who fought for us. Kinanâskomitinawaw kâkinaw ininiwak

[@jq4136]

I'm ojicree from northern Ontario. I only understood certain sentence and words . Meegwetch

[@andrewjohnston1548]

Tansei Kneechee

[@CLL9262]

Your comment touched me deeply.

[@nehiyawwolf9284]

Mushkegowuk Cree here.

[@duncankyplain9673]

So am I brother I’m from ile a la crosse

[@TheSarahLeeBatch]

Uncle Checker, Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Frank and my Grandpa Bud are having a beer and telling old stories together now…I miss them all and I’m so grateful I can rewatch this over and over ❤

[@Katseye102]

Love and light to these men. They deserve so much more than they got.

[@elizabethsime5751]

As a Canadian I am ashamed of the way these soldiers were treated. To these brave men I thank you for your service.

[@natalie21601]

This was very interesting. Thank you National Geographics for sharing this. Some of us would never have known. I love documentaries and stories of WWII.

[@mercedeswilliams3929]

I am from the cree federation and i bless our ancestors for fighting and allowing us to still be alive and some what well. Thank you Canada for appreciating our efforts

[@peezim]

My father was one of the 'Cree Code Talkers'. You can see his name at 5:39.

[@FNF-gt6ky]

pre tom ?

[@poopythicckums2232]

Ayee that’s so dope

[@elizabethwezelman8547]

I would like to have watched a longer documentary but realize we are lucky to have this. Thank you. Mr Tomkins hit it on the head when he said, " I love my country..." Canada has been blessed through men such as Corporal Tomkins. I hope that this documentary becomes an essential part of Canadian history taught in schools, plus more like it.

[@indigenousin-couragement9891]

Thank you for posting this.

[@JennyBlackbird]

My late grandfather's name is on that list. He served 4 & 1/2 years.

[@kenkubesh3516]

I have the utmost respect for the indigenous people.

[@poopythicckums2232]

Thank you!

[@realburgers9132]

Thank you

[@ninjaweretiger4273]

I’m late. But thank you. I’m Métis from Alberta.

[@NancyLynn]

Thank you for telling this story and RIP Checker!

[@carmendawnallan8871]

Thanks for this Share,Nice To hear about a Fellow Canadian in The Military . 😊 ♡ Lest We Forget 😊 ❤

[@charlesayache6801]

Keep teaching and learning the indigenous languages of the heroes of WW2.

[@JulesBlesse]

I’m Cree and I understood everything without the subtitles I love what my people did for us

[@gavinkunuk5017]

As a indigenous from Canada this made me cry when the quote said “ US or Canadian government have not recognized the role of Canadian code talkers in ww2 to this day”. I believe we as indigenous are upmost treated not fairly in anyway obeying every orders from gov or forced but still loyal to the orders and not treated fairly.

[@patriceoneal2606]

The U.S does a far better job of honoring and respecting Native Americans than Canada IMO and I'm Canadian. It seems like Americans revere Indian History while Canadians have and still see us as a "pest to the Crown".

[@carlahemeon4453]

I'm glad this mini documentary at the very least can get the word out.

[@sethrenaud9461]

Dear Gavin, If it helps at all: I am a Canadian History teacher in Nova Scotia and I dedicate myself to making sure my students do not leave the course without knowing of the rich history of the first peoples, pre and post contact; the friendship of early contact, the destruction of expansionism, the shame of broken treaties, the horrors of Residential Schools, and of course the bravery of warriors like Pegahmagabow, Tomkins, and thousands of others who fought for ideals loftier than the nations who ignored them. It is my hope that this knowledge will honour the indigenous peoples of this land, foster understanding, and lead us to reconcilliation. If I maybe allowed: M'sit No'kmaq (All my relations)

[@connorcolquhou5845]

Trudeau is a POS we know.

[@Lucky73678]

As long as the wind blows and The eagle flies in a light blue sky, The memory of the bear Cannot be forgotton.

[@shelleyhender8537]

Growing up in the Canadian North, I had the privilege to live among our beautiful Indigenous peoples, and obviously this including having a mixed relationship! Being of mixed heritage, it makes me GRATEFUL for all the unique peoples in Canada! Blessings to all!🇨🇦☺🇨🇦

[@krystlblue4980]

Thank you for posting this. I have already shared this with people.

[@inthezoneeeechief]

Francis Pegahmagabow was also another one to look into, though WW1, read "Three Day Road".

[@akavitsuma]

inthezoneeeechief Also longboat

[@matthewhawn9070]

Also Tommy Prince for WWII

[@chrisbreezy-ryanbarbosa4320]

Really amazing, I wish my generation had more respect for what these fine gentlemen of the greatest generation did for us.

[@stilcrazychris]

Why can't they recognise these code talkers & treat them with the respect they deserve. I'm part Native American & this makes me mad that they can't recognise these brave men! CODE TALKERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY & WINNING THE WAR FOR THE USA!!

[@1984potionlover]

Helping win the war for the Allies is a more correct way of phrasing this. The United States were not the only ones who fought and died in WWll. My thanks to all those who gave their time, and put their lives at risk, or even died, in service to their countries. Words alone cannot ever repay the debt we owe to those both known, and unknown.

[@justdynee]

Bravo. I'm full Carrier-Gitksan from Canada. Much of my great uncles fought in the wars. I'm wondering if they think they may need us again because the language is so hard to learn. I have a hard time learning my language after a lifetime! I'm 60! There is still a possibility of war.

[@shelleyhender8537]

@@1984potionlover My thoughts EXACTLY!🇨🇦

[@Butterfliesandbees]

Our men were quick to stand up and protect you and your families. And we’re still treated like we’re not human. I was going to ask when will we ever get that in return but I know the answer.

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

As a Canadian I be live a monument should be made for the First Nation code talkers for giving the allies a extraordinary advantage

[@pennyhaas9756]

Hero's one and all.... Thank You For Your Service...🍁

[@robd7703]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@michaeldaley4160]

Thank you for your service respectively!!🇨🇦✌

[@carlahemeon4453]

I knew the Navajos in the US did code talking in WW2, but I had no idea the Crees in Canada did it first!

[@felixcretu4993]

When you are the last one in the call, and all of your friends are gone :(

[@novakstevanovic9031]

poobear Cretu I am sure thats equivalent to helping your country win the bloodiest war in history.

[@rebeccaluis1223]

Wow please explain what you mean becouse im very sure that being the last one on the phone doesn't compare to being the last on in your platoon

[@st2whocares988]

@@rebeccaluis1223 and Novak Stevanovic he meant no harm in what he says and I am sure he knows what you are both saying

[@Relaxbruuh]

I’m proud to speak my language (Cree)

[@CDNShuffle]

before this video begins , thank you for this

[@meechy9166]

Thank you to all your beautiful, courageous soldiers for all your contributions on this Earth!!! And this being one of the main reasons WWII was won!!! All love and blessings to all Indigenous people and everyone reading this🙏🙏🙏💚💚💚💚💙💙💙

[@housephone8646]

Thank u for sharing

[@kesharkhadkapunwar2029]

Thanks a lot! May God bless you! Hail! Nepal!!!

[@rebeccaluis1223]

Keshar Khadka Punwar they're native Americans not that kind of indians Lol it was a easy mistake

[@kiasax2]

This is fantastic to learn! Wado for their service to our country. Never forget and always honor. That's from a combat veteran to all veterans, sisters and brothers, ALL VETERANS. Blessings ...

[@SillyWillyBillyFilly]

I can’t believe it’s been four years and I haven’t seen this till now- he was either my great grandpas friend or he was my great grandpa I need to ask my mother lol- but I love this ^^ ❤

[@winnysneece694]

Excellent!

[@odnine]

That's actually super cool.

[@leemason4024]

Great story, beautiful film!

[@mrsseasea]

Is sad both my grandpas fought in WWI and WWII , yet we as Native Americans were not allowed to VOTE. I’m proud to be Native, and pass this down to my grand kids.

[@BiGGtuGG-ut9ir]

Wut. You can’t vote.

[@BiGGtuGG-ut9ir]

Pretty sure you can. My community has voted for a while.

[@Kom-KE]

@@BiGGtuGG-ut9ir past tense maybe ?

[@lavernemoreno7168]

We as Native people of North America this land is our Land, the Creator who above human laws ie, voting, citizenship -GAVE US Rights long ago, try think about it that way. Our way of justifying is from westernized thinking and judgements.

[@antoniomari2730]

I just adore these kind of Canadian stories ❤

[@Spinnylespin]

WWI and WWII would have gone much differently for Canadians if not for the contributions of Indigenous people. Non-Indigenous Canadians are forever in their debt.

[@miserable-man8545]

Cree is the largest linguistic group in Canada.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Nat. Geo., you should SERIOUSLY consider changing your outro. At least the music, if nothing else. You put out such nice content, often relaxing and/or heartwarming. Then, once the credits are over, you blow out my speakers and flip the mood the film just set on its head. Who makes these decisions? With that said, thank you for all of the beneficial, educational content. It's no small task to keep the production machine running.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

yupmynameismelody When I remember, I pause the video when the credits start. But, sometimes I forget or am busy with something else and that bass shakes the apartment. I only mentioned it because it's happened numerous times and they have another, quieter outro that they use. I imagine I'm not the only one that feels this way either. Even so, as I wrote previously, I'm very grateful for the quality content they produce and provide to us free of charge.

[@andrewjohnston1548]

Nat geo didn't do this bud

[@aniruddha_mandal]

Thanks natgeo for telling us about those heroes. The US government should recognize them as heroes!!!

[@martytruelove5026]

The Canadian Government needs to recognize this as well.

[@epicgamer-ui9mb]

My great grandfather was a rifleman during this time and it was the battlefield he volunteered to fight in didn’t bring glory but freedom from his name.

[@PODSMPSG1]

The Canadian equivalent of Navajo Code Talkers used by the USMC.

[@superduperenoc1371]

Cool I didn’t know Canada had code talkers !! This is like the Navajo code talkers for the U.S during ww2

[@SilentGlaceon94]

There's another group of Code Talkers that were involved in WWII, the Comanche Code Talkers. Sadly, none of the original Code Talkers are alive to this day.

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😳 This is very similar to the use of Navaho speakers by the US military in the Second World War. There is so much ignorance of the treatment of indigenous peoples in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere.

[@RezziesRUs]

THe Navajo US version is somewhere on youtube as well. Very similar to this one. Both great films for archaeological purposes at university level.

[@dn2ze]

Preston LaVallee language wise two different people and cultures. Closest to Navajo aka Dine would be Chipewyan aka Dene since both are from Athabaskan language family tree. Just because we look the same doesn’t mean we are the same. Cultures and languages makes us different people.

[@nozecone]

@@dn2ze What he meant was that the two videos are similar.

[@blakeauger4164]

I understand everything they say god keep them and Canada strong

[@jogasozinho]

I was searching for Code Talker archetype from yu-gi-oh series and i find this ...

[@mrsprince19]

J.M McLeod was a boy who is memorialized at my school!

[@christophercoupe5006]

Thank you Charles for helping defeat an evil Germany in WW2

[@inajames3160]

This should be told in every school in canada. The curriculum must be corrected in every aspect.❤

[@tarekbania432]

stupendous

[@andrewchu6370]

Song name at 10:45?

[@ceenyb]

We are very proud of all of our native code talkers, mostly especially the Comanche Code Talkers. Thank you for posting this video. Celyna Yellowfish Morales 040922

[@zCopyCatz]

Thank god there was no Google Translate during that time.

[@ucntcit]

An example of good communication to human beings is someone you can't understand in the midst of a global conflict.

[@ShadeRaven222]

Don't be sad for taking up my time. You fought for it.

[@willmcintyre580]

Watching this makes me, as a Canadian, ashamed of my country. These men (all men) that sacrificed for our country during the war especially should be honoured and recognised. We have had successive governments that have ignored this situation claiming no funds but can find millions to give away to countries they couldn't find on a map. It makes me want to puke and the Liberals are especially known for this type of cowardice.

[@apotato1529]

Do not be sorry. It is us who are sorry for you thinking it was a waste of time. Thank you, for the Gifts of the Treaty Peoples.

[@deborahmillette]

Migweetch!

[@blakeauger4164]

Lol that’s Blackfoot ❤️

[@happilyinsane7803]

His family crest lays with William Wallace or William the Conqueror Sword.

[@erminecii1391]

Put some respect on our name, we started this program wayyy before the Americans and Navajos started there’s

[@erminecii1391]

My father and my cree side all speak fluently, my other side is dene and all my dene side still speak it

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

11:45 don’t be as a Canadian and war buff I love your story

[@josephinekush5056]

As an Indigenous veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, 1968-1974 I consider this video an insult to all CF members, past & present.

[@samyza200]

They look mati and speak cree

[@dn2ze]

6:45 I like that he acknowledged that not even Americans couldn’t understand the language they had to use their own to communicate lmao 😂 no wonder Americans skip over this part of history in war....

[@tantoismailgoldstein6279]

And they couldn't break ours

[@tantoismailgoldstein6279]

So what's your point

[@Adriana-rh6sg]

😥

[@lunaglow96]

cool

[@christylazaro6692]

S A L U T E

[@c.neekan9118]

Its a shame,,most natives today dont know there language,,

[@garedmacdonald5164]

christ .R not all, I’m aboriginal, I know my language, almost everyone from my reserve knows their language, I’m dene, most cree I’ve met don’t know their language though, an from an aboriginals perspective that’s the shame.. no hate or anything, some just lose their way I guess.

[@dn2ze]

Christ. N maybe in America but in Canada indigenous language Is alive and strong....in fact indigenous cultures and indigenous languages still influence Canada something Americans should learn a thing or two from Canada

[@deerock2374]

No Thanks to the government and residential schools..they wanted to get the indian out of us..and assimilate..took us away from our families..cut our hair..not allowed to speak our language..sexually abused our people..some even killed..learn the history before you start bashing our people for not speaking or knowing our language

[@jessefrank870]

Our language was wiped out of us by the government!

[@TheOriginalSindini]

Dated "Smoky's" Daughter for a few years. Her and her Sister where naughty girls, sleeping with there first Cousin😂

[@charliechristianson]

windtalkers

[@kurok-p3q]

Sooskwats nimithōtīn oma kachimochik

[@TramainBacchus]

"Words that kill"

[@Ayayayupiyupiyey]

watch Windtalkers movie.

[@rebeccaluis1223]

HriedoPotettoGaming what's it rated?

[@michaelpcooksey5096]

Would have liked more data and less slow heart throb piano playing.

[@josephinekush5056]

OMG! Those two old guys are wearing medals they're not entitled to. They never served in WW2. And the guy wearing the WW2 period RC Signal Corps cap badge on a Canadian Airborne Regiment beret? This is an insult to Canada's real Indigenous veterans. - George Kush. Member Blackfoot Headdress (Veteran's) Society, Fort Macleod, AB.

[@cashieauguste5130]

Hello everyone

[@amandabeaty1492]

Pretty sure this was part of Grade 10 Social Studies. Seems to me I knew the history.

[@lazarusyellowhead2354]

This was not our war shame on them

[@drazgul9403]

Of course we didn't hear it, because it was *encoded* badumm tssss... But no seriously, *salute*

[@josephinekush5056]

This is total BS. There were no Cree code-talkers in the Canadian army in WW2. Certainly none that ever worked with the US Army Air Force (There was no US Airforce in WW2) This is absolutely the most ridiculous story I've ever heard. - George Kush, member, Blackfoot Headdress (Veteran's) Society @ Trail's End Studio, Fort Macleod, AB.

[@matthewmann8969]

Swathy

[@yahiaassad5682]

2nd

[@Bookzz448]

1ST

[@AO-se1xx]

how many like for name god

[@brokemalone7011]

Glorifying war as usual.

[@Codoloco1]

Not even close, your'e lucky we had people like this in WW2. You and I wouldn't have been born.

[@DF-mw1sh]

BustaDontRhyme no just no

[@brokemalone7011]

kamalindsey four words too much for you?

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

BustaDontRhyme 😡 Four words. And you have nothing more to say than that? If at all possible, explain yourself!

[@nepadron]

He was crying about his loss in the first minute of tape...how is that glorifying? He lost so much in his life, he is telling a history no one heard (or will hear) about.

[@rinsama5202]

2nd