An Indigenous World War II veteran from the Sweetgrass First Nation now has a painted portrait of himself on prominent display at the Canadian War Museum.
98-year-old Philip Favel enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1942 at the age of 20. He served in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps.
He landed in Normandy on D-Day, as part of Operation OVERLORD during the Second World War, and throughout his two years in Europe he delivered vital supplies to front line troops.
Once out of the military in 1945, Favel continued to advocate for Indigenous veterans.
His granddaughter Nadine Favel represented him at a recent portrait unveiling.
“I’m just so proud of him, in the kind of person that he is. And all the things that he’s stood for all his life,” Favel said.
“He taught me a lot all my life. He helped raise me and he is the reason why I do the things I do and who I am today.”
Ottawa-based artist Elaine Goble created the portrait titled Normandy Warrior.
She donated the painting to the museum to be added to its national collection. It will be on display until January 2021.
Favel has been recognized with many medals for his service, including the 1939-45 Star and National Order of the Legion of Honor, which is a medal awarded by the French government.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Private (Retired) Philip Favel at his home in 2018. He is part of the generation that won the Second World War. His fighting did not end in Europe, he came home to fight for Indigenous Veterans. He is a Canadian hero and I thank him for his service to his country,” said General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff.
(Photo: Painting of Philip Favel. Courtesy of the Canadian War Museum)