Veteran Philip Favel receiving his Lieutenant Governor's Military pin.

Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association Grand Chief Steven Ross is honoured to invite all to a celebration for Veteran Philip Favel.  “On Friday, May 1, 2015, the family of World War II Veteran Philip Favel is celebrating his 93rd birthday with a banquet and Round Dance.  On behalf of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association, I am honoured to extend an invitation to everyone to come and celebrate with Elder and Veteran Philip Favel, his family and our Veterans Association” said Grand Chief Steven Ross. 

A banquet will be held at the Sweetgrass First Nation Community Hall from 3:00 to 6:00 pm followed by a Round Dance.  Former FSIN Chief Lawrence Joseph will be the Master of Ceremonies and the Executive and members of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association will be in attendance.

FSIN Interim Chief Kimberly Jonathan says “It is important to honour our veterans as they are our warriors and heroes.  We celebrate their accomplishments with them, and their families, and we are happy and thankful that they came back to their communities to continue serving others as Elders and advisors.  We are blessed to have them with us and I extend heartfelt birthday greetings to Veteran Philip Favel.”

Philip was born a member of one of the original families of the Strike Him on the Back First Nation, which later became the Sweetgrass First Nation.  He is a respected veteran who saw action in Europe during WWII.  In 1941, at the age of 19, Philip enlisted in the armed forces (then called Selective Services).  In 1943 he was sent overseas for training.  Just before he was sent off to Juno Beach, he trained in England.  He returned home in July 1945 and has remained on the Sweetgrass Reserve to this day. 

Philip was elected Grand Chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association in April 2003 and held that position for three years.  He has traveled extensively to communities throughout Saskatchewan and is highly respected for his life-long accomplishments.  In 2012, he was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Service.

Grand Chief Ross concluded, “Philip is one of only three remaining First Nations veterans in Saskatchewan who saw action on Juno Beach during World War II; along with his family, we are proud to take this time to honour and thank him for his contributions to the safety and well-being of Europe and the world.”

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