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Page 2 Ojibwe Cultural Foundation Cont'd p. 1 Anishinaabeg Zhimaagnishag: Veterans people have wondered why they voluning up arms for the cause. teered and some veterans have provided The Anishinaabeg have been allies to the answers. For some that lived through British Crown since 1764 when they acthe Great Depression, the war offered a cepted the Great Covenant Chain Wampum means of employment, others have Belt at Niagara. This alliance had been honstated that they wanted to get off the reored and re-pledged every year by Great serve and see the world. However, some Britain's annual delivery of `Indian Prescholars offer that the Anishnaabeg have sents'. Delivering presents meant that the an inherent war like disposition. It is alliance was still being honoured. The wamhypothesized that this war pum was referred to as "the like disposition, or warrior body of the Great Father's [the "The Anishinaabeg have ethic, led young men to try King] words" and the delivery been allies to the British to distinguish themselves on of presents was the embodying Crown since 1764 when the battlefield, just like act of that alliance. In fact, at their ancestors. Whether or they accepted Covenant the commencement of the War not this is true is subject to of 1812, the Anishinaabeg chain Wampum Belt" debate. However, there is were given another wampum no debating the skill, courage belt. A delegated British officer and bravery that the Native men stated in council to the Anishinaabeg "I have brought to the battlefields during World not nor will I lose hold of the Belt [the 1764 War I and II as evidenced by two highly Covenant Chain] which has been so long decorated and distinguished veterans, among you ­ on the contrary, I will now namely Francis Pegamahgabow (see picmake it stronger by the belt which I now preture below) and Tommy Prince, both sent to you." The presentation of another Ojibwe. It has been recorded that Pegabelt solidified the alliance between the King mahgabow "loved his country" and that of England and the Anishinaabeg. has often served as part of his reason for Eventually in 1854 signing up. Howthe colonial governever, I have heard ment ceased to deliver it said that some the Indian Presents. veterans volunThe Anishinaabeg teered because wrote numerous petithey were allies to tions to have the delivthe British Crown. ery of presents reThere is a differinstated. At a Grand ence between being Council held in Little subjects of the Current in July 1870 Crown, and thereand another Grand fore being Council held at Garden `subjected' to the River in 1879, petitions draft, versus being were drawn up by the allies to the Grand Council. In Francis Pegamahgabow wearPrince of Wales medal isCrown, and thus each petition the Aning his medals as well as 1860 sued to Anishinaabe Chiefs Prince of Wales medal with voluntarily takishinaabeg Chiefs ask in 1860. Note PegamahgaQueen Victoria's face. bow's picture to the left.