Alex Decoteau facts for kids
Alex Decoteau (1912)
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Nationality | Cree Canadian |
| Born | November 19, 1887 Red Pheasant First Nation, District of Saskatchewan |
| Died | October 30, 1917 (aged 29) Passchendaele salient, Belgium |
| Resting place | Passchendaele New British Cemetery |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 160 lb |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Track and field |
| Updated on 7 May 2017. | |
Alexander Wuttunee Decoteau (born November 19, 1887 – died October 30, 1917) was an amazing Cree Canadian athlete, police officer, and soldier. He was a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation.
In 1911, he joined the Edmonton Police. This made him the first Indigenous police officer in Canada. Alex Decoteau was famous for his incredible running skills. He held many long-distance records in Western Canada. In 1912, he even represented Canada at the 1912 Summer Olympics. He competed in the 5,000 meters race. Later, Alex Decoteau joined the Canadian army in 1915. He bravely fought and died in World War I in 1917.
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Alex Decoteau's Early Life
Alex Decoteau was born on November 19, 1887. His birthplace was the Red Pheasant Indian Reserve. This area is now part of Saskatchewan. He was one of five children. His father, Peter Decoteau, was Métis. His mother, Dora Pambrun, was Cree.
His father had been involved in the North-West Rebellion in 1885. After his father's death in 1891, his mother needed help. She arranged for the children to go to the Battleford Industrial School. It was at this school that Alex first showed his talent for sports.
Becoming a Police Officer
Before moving to Edmonton, Alex worked on a farm. In Edmonton, he worked as a blacksmith for his brother-in-law, David Latta. David Latta was a businessman and a former city council member. Alex first lived with David and his sister Emily.
In 1911, Alex Decoteau became a constable with the Edmonton Police. He was the first Indigenous police officer in Canada. He was also one of the city's first police officers to use a motorcycle. In 1914, he was promoted to sergeant.
Alex Decoteau's Running Career
While living in Edmonton, Alex Decoteau won many races. These were middle-distance and long-distance races. He competed across Western Canada. His first race was on May 24, 1909. He finished second in a one-mile race.
Soon after, he won two five-mile races. He won them within six days of each other. The first win was at the Edmonton Exhibition in June. He finished that race in 28 minutes and 41 seconds. The second win was the Mayberry Cup in Lloydminster. He set a new Western record there. His time was 27 minutes and 45 seconds.
The 1912 Olympics
Alex Decoteau went to the 1912 Summer Olympics. The games were held in Stockholm, Sweden. He was the only athlete from Alberta on the Canadian Olympic team. He competed in the 5,000-meter race.
He finished second in his first race (the heat). But in the final race, he got leg cramps. This affected his performance. He still finished sixth overall, which was a great achievement.
Alex Decoteau in World War I
Alex Decoteau joined the Canadian army in April 1916. He was influenced by his father's past involvement in the 1885 North-West Rebellion. He first served with the 202nd Infantry Battalion. Then he moved to the 49th Battalion.
He trained at the Sarcee military camp near Calgary. This was from June to October 1916. On November 24, 1916, he sailed to England. He traveled on the ship RMS Mauretania.
Running During Wartime
Even while in the army, Alex Decoteau kept running. He took part in at least two army sports events. At one event in Salisbury, he won a five-mile race. King George V himself gave Alex his personal gold pocket watch as a prize.
On May 27, 1917, Alex was sent to France. He joined other soldiers in the 49th Battalion. His running skills were very useful there. He worked as a communications trench runner. This meant he carried messages between different parts of the trenches.
His Final Battle
Alex Decoteau was killed on October 30, 1917. He was hit by a German sniper. This happened during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. This battle was a very difficult part of World War I.
There is a story that the German sniper stole the King's pocket watch. The story says Alex's friends got the watch back. They made sure it was returned to his mother, Dora. In 1985, the Cree people held a special ceremony in Edmonton. They wanted to "bring his spirit home." The Red Pheasant Band, the Edmonton Police Service, and the Canadian Army honored him.
Alex Decoteau's Legacy
Alex Decoteau's achievements were recognized thanks to Edmonton police officer Sam Donaghey. In 1966, Donaghey found an old newspaper article about Alex. He then did research to learn more.
This research led to many honors for Alex Decoteau:
- In 1967, he was inducted into the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 2001, he joined the Alberta Sport Hall of Fame.
- In 2000, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 2015, he was honored in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Many of his personal and military awards are kept at the Edmonton Police Museum and Archives.
Honoring His Name
The City of Edmonton has also honored Alex Decoteau. In 2014, they named a park and a future neighborhood after him.
- On September 24, 2014, a park in Downtown Edmonton was named Alex Decoteau Park.
- On October 28, 2014, a new residential area in southeast Edmonton was named Decoteau.
