Private Daniel Cheer: Honoring the Unmarked Grave of an Indigenous Soldier in the Netherlands

For nearly 80 years, the remains of Private Daniel Cheer were buried in an unmarked grave in the Holten cemetery near the Netherlands’ border with Germany. Earlier this year, as part of the Indigenous Legacy Project, his grave was finally identified. The project is a joint initiative between the Royal Canadian Legion and Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones, and it aims to recognize and honor Indigenous soldiers who fought in World War II. Cheer’s grave was one of 17 Indigenous graves identified at the cemetery.

Squamish Nation councillor Sxwíxwtn, Wilson Williams, was part of a small delegation that recently visited the graves. Williams described the visit as an emotional time, as no one had visited Cheer’s grave since he passed away. During the visit, Williams laid down flowers and tobacco, shared a prayer, a song, and some stories about the Squamish people today. He believes it is time to share Cheer’s story.

According to Martin Reelick, president of Netherlands-based Royal Canadian Legion Branch 005, 81 Indigenous soldiers have been identified in Holland so far. Reelick expressed his privilege in welcoming the descendants of these soldiers to the country and recognizing their sacrifices.

Cheer, a member of the Squamish First Nation, grew up in Brackendale, B.C., and was only 24 years old when he was killed in action in 1945. He is buried alongside more than 1,300 Canadian soldiers at the Holten cemetery. Over 7,600 Canadian soldiers lost their lives during the eight-month campaign to liberate the Dutch from the Nazis.

Cheer’s decision to volunteer for the war at the age of 18 was significant, considering the discrimination faced by Indigenous people in Canada at the time. They were not recognized as citizens and did not have the right to vote. The residential school system was still in full force. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, minister of veterans affairs and associate minister of national defense, acknowledged the discrimination Indigenous soldiers had to overcome and the denial of rights, benefits, and commendations available to other veterans.

Williams discovered that many students from residential schools, particularly those considered nuisances or not outstanding, were pushed into service. He believes this news strikes a chord in his heart. Williams commended the team involved in identifying Indigenous soldiers and emphasized the importance of sharing each soldier’s story.