A Decades-Long Silence Broken: Family Connects to WWI Cree Veteran's Unmarked Grave After CTV Story

For over five decades, the final resting place of Private Henry Norquay, a brave Cree soldier who served with distinction in the First World War, lay in Winnipeg’s Brookside Cemetery, conspicuously unmarked. It was a silent testament to a life of service that, for too long, remained without the recognition it profoundly deserved.

But thanks to a dedicated advocate and the power of a CTV News story, that silence has finally been shattered, leading to a heartwarming connection with Norquay's descendants.

The journey to honor Private Norquay began with Greg Birch, a passionate volunteer with the Last Post Fund, an organization committed to ensuring no veteran is left without a proper grave marker.

Birch took up Norquay’s case, determined to rectify this historical oversight. He knew that Private Norquay, a proud member of the Peguis First Nation, had served his country with courage, yet his grave remained nameless since his burial in a military plot in 1969.

Birch's tireless efforts gained significant traction when his story was featured on CTV News.

The broadcast became the crucial link, reaching far and wide and ultimately connecting him with a family who had longed for more understanding of their ancestor’s legacy. Among those watching was Darlene Norquay, Private Henry Norquay’s great-niece, who lives in Winnipeg.

Darlene, deeply moved by the report, immediately recognized the name and the story.

She had always known her great-uncle Henry served in the military but was completely unaware that his grave was unmarked. “It hit me quite hard, actually,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “I thought that was a shame that he hadn't been honored or recognized.” The CTV News story not only informed her but also empowered her to reach out and reclaim a piece of her family's history.

Private Henry Norquay’s service to Canada was profound.

He was among the many Indigenous soldiers who bravely answered the call to duty during the First World War, contributing significantly to the Allied effort despite often facing discrimination at home. His story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by First Nations people, whose contributions have historically been overlooked or underrepresented.

The connection between Greg Birch and Darlene Norquay marks a significant moment, not just for the family, but for the broader effort to honor all Indigenous veterans.

Darlene expressed immense gratitude to Birch and the Last Post Fund for their dedication. “I’m very thankful for Greg Birch for doing what he’s doing and trying to recognize all of the military out there that aren't recognized,” she stated, highlighting the importance of their work.

With the family now connected and aware, the path is clear for Private Henry Norquay to finally receive the recognition he is due.

A proper headstone will be installed at his grave in Brookside Cemetery this spring, a long-overdue tribute to a soldier whose bravery and sacrifice will no longer be forgotten. This act of remembrance serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of our veterans and the unwavering commitment to ensure every hero is honored.