David Greyeyes Steele facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Greyeyes Steele
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| Born | 31 December 1914 Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Died | 22 July 1996 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
| Service/ |
Canadian Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | The Saskatoon Light Infantry Royal Winnipeg Rifles |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Greek War Cross Order of Canada Saskatchewan Order of Merit |
David Georges Greyeyes Steele was an amazing Indigenous Canadian who achieved a lot in his life. He was a brave war hero, a talented athlete, a dedicated farmer, and a helpful public servant. He was born on December 31, 1914, and passed away on July 22, 1996.
Contents
A Life of Service and Achievement
Early Life and Sports
David Greyeyes Steele was born in the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. He went to the Lebret Industrial Residential School. There, he studied how to grow crops and raise animals.
He was also a very good athlete. He played many different sports. He was especially good at soccer. He was chosen three times for the Saskatchewan All-Star team. He even played in international games!
Serving in the Second World War
When the Second World War started, David joined the Canadian Army. His two brothers and his sister, Mary Greyeyes, also joined.
David first spent two years teaching soldiers about advanced weapons. Later, he returned to Canada to train as an officer. He made history by becoming the first Status Indian to become an officer overseas.
He then joined The Saskatoon Light Infantry (Machine Gun). He led a special team that used mortars. They fought in the Italian Campaign. He was given the Greek War Cross award for helping the 3rd Greek Mountain Brigade during the Battle of Rimini (1944).
After the war ended on VE Day, he continued to serve. He worked as an intelligence officer. This was with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles during the time Canada helped occupy Germany. He even played soccer in the 1946 Inter-Allied Games.
Life After the War
When David came back to Canada, he married Flora Jeanne. In 1958, he became the chief of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. This was an important leadership role in his community.
He also started working for the government. He joined the Indian Affairs Branch. This department helped Indigenous people. He later became the first Indigenous person to be a regional director in this service. This was a very important position.
Awards and Recognition
David Greyeyes Steele received many honors for his achievements. In 1977, he was named a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. That same year, he was also recognized in the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1993, he received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. In 1994, he was one of the first people to be inducted into the Saskatchewan First Nations Sports Hall of Fame. These awards show how much he contributed to his country and community.
