A World War II veteran from the Sweetgrass First Nation, who participated in the Juno Beach invasion has died.
Philip Favel passed away Sunday at the age of 98. In May 1942, he joined the Canadian Army and chose to serve with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and served August 1943 to July 1945.
Once leaving the military, Favel retuned home to start a family and advocate for fair treatment of Indigenous veterans.
“After the war, Philip fought for fair compensation for First Nations Veterans who were excluded from benefits that non-First Nations veterans received after the war,” said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde in a tweet. “A Juno Beach Veteran and a lifelong advocate, Philip was a beacon of hope for many.”
In November, Favel had a painted portrait of himself put on display at the Canadian War Museum. 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 at the portrait unveiling. “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.”
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.