The family of a celebrated Labrador soldier is hoping to have him remembered in an area next the National War Memorial.

John Shiwak of Rigolet was 26-years-old when he signed up to go overseas to fight in WWI.

His hunting experience served him well and he was recognized as one of the greatest sharp-shooters in the British Army.

Sadly, like too many members of the Newfoundland Regiment, Shiwak never came back home. He was part of a group of soldiers clearing pockets of resistance following the Battle of Cambrai, when a German artillery shell exploded, claiming the lives of seven soldiers, including Shiwak. They were buried where they fell in unmarked graves.

Shiwak’s great-nephew Danny Pottle successfully had a plaque erected in France remembering Shiwak’s service and he’s now advocating that a statue depicting his uncle be erected on a piece of land adjacent to the National War Memorial.

“I’m hoping that he can be recognized and honoured on behalf of all Indigenous veterans who served this province.”