Natives Among The Canadian Voyageurs In Egypt 1884 1885: A Remarkable Chapter in Canadian History

The history of Canada is filled with remarkable stories of adventure and bravery. One such chapter that often goes unnoticed is the involvement of indigenous people in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Egyptian campaign of 1884-1885. These native Canadians, known as voyageurs, played a significant role in one of the most important military expeditions in Canadian history.

The Call for Expedition

In 1882, Egyptian nationalists rebelled against the rule of the Ottoman Empire, resulting in the Anglo-Egyptian War. The conflict escalated when Sudanese warlord Muhammad Ahmad, also known as the Mahdi, declared a jihad against the foreign invaders and sought to create an independent Sudan.

Amidst this turbulent situation, Britain requested assistance from the Canadian government to send a military force to assist in the defense of Egypt. The Canadian government, eager to showcase their loyalty to the British Empire, agreed to the request. However, due to a lack of trained soldiers, Canada turned to its vast pool of skilled voyageurs to form an expeditionary force.

Mohawks on the Nile: Natives Among the Canadian Voyageurs in Egypt, 1884-1885

by Carl Benn(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4268 KB
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The Voyageurs: Masters of the Waters

The voyageurs were Canadian fur traders and explorers, primarily of French-Canadian descent, who were expert canoeists and wilderness guides. They had extensive experience navigating through Canada's complex network of rivers and lakes, making them the perfect candidates for the expedition.

These rugged individuals hailed from various indigenous communities in Canada, including the Métis, Inuit, and First Nations. Many of them were already familiar with adapting to different environments, surviving harsh conditions, and maintaining close-knit teams. Their participation in the Egyptian campaign marked a unique opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.

The Journey to Egypt

The journey from Canada to Egypt was long and treacherous. The voyageurs embarked on a grueling voyage, traveling by ship across the Atlantic Ocean and through the Mediterranean Sea. Their journey took several weeks, enduring rough seas and cramped living conditions. Yet, their determination remained unwavering.

As they arrived in Egypt, the voyageurs faced a new set of challenges. The scorching heat, unfamiliar terrain, and the overall chaos of war tested their abilities to adapt. However, their experience in navigating the Canadian wilderness played a crucial role in their success on the battlefield.

Adapting to a New Environment

The voyageurs' expertise in handling canoes and traversing water bodies offered a unique advantage in the Egyptian campaign. They were able to navigate the Nile River efficiently, transporting troops and equipment swiftly across the vast distance traveled throughout the expedition.

Moreover, their experience in surviving harsh winters in Canada prepared them for the extreme climates encountered in the desert. They were adept at finding sources of water, building shelters, and utilizing natural resources in unfamiliar environments.

The Voyageurs in Battle

The Canadian voyageurs played a pivotal role in several crucial battles throughout the campaign, exhibiting their bravery and tenacity. Their expertise in waterborne operations was particularly valuable during the naval operations on the Nile River.

During the Battle of Abu Klea, the voyageurs served as essential scouts, providing vital intelligence to the British forces. Their knowledge of rough waters and the ability to maneuver through such conditions gave the British a significant advantage over the Sudanese forces.

In the Battle of Metemma, the voyageurs showcased their combat skills, fighting alongside British and Egyptian troops against the Mahdist forces. Their marksmanship, agility, and ability to adapt quickly to changing situations proved instrumental in the victory.

A Forgotten Legacy

While the contributions of the Canadian voyageurs in the Egyptian campaign were significant, their part in Canadian history often goes unnoticed. Their involvement shattered stereotypes about indigenous people, demonstrating their capabilities on a global scale.

However, despite their remarkable achievements, the voyageurs returned home to Canada without much recognition or acknowledgment. Their extraordinary efforts in Egypt remain largely hidden in the shadows of the country's history.

Preserving Their Memory

It is essential to acknowledge the role of the Canadian voyageurs in the Egyptian campaign as a crucial part of Canadian heritage. Their bravery, adaptability, and skills represent the spirit of exploration and resilience that define Canadian identity.

By recognizing and commemorating their contributions, we pay a well-deserved tribute to the indigenous people who played an integral role in shaping Canada's history. Their story serves as a constant reminder of the importance of inclusivity and appreciating the diverse fabric of our nation.

The involvement of the native Canadians, known as voyageurs, in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-1885 was an extraordinary chapter in Canadian history. Their skills, adaptability, and bravery contributed significantly to the success of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Despite the lack of recognition and acknowledgment at the time, we must strive to preserve their memory and honor their contribution to Canadian heritage. By doing so, we commit to fostering inclusivity and celebrating the rich diversity that shapes our nation's history.

Mohawks on the Nile: Natives Among the Canadian Voyageurs in Egypt, 1884-1885

by Carl Benn(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4268 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages

FREE

Mohawks on the Nile explores the absorbing history of sixty Aboriginal men who left their occupations in the Ottawa River timber industry to participate in a military expedition on the Nile River in 1884-1885. Chosen becuase of their outstanding skills as boatmen and river pilots, they formed part of the Canadian Voyageur Contingent, which transported British troops on a fleet of whaleboats through the Nile’s treacherous cataracts in the hard campaigning of the Sudan War. Their objective was to reach Khartoum, capital of the Egyptian province of Sudan. Their mission was to save its governor general, Major-General Charles Gordon, besieged by Muslim forces inspired by the call to liberate Sudan from foreign control by Muhammad Ahmad, better known to his followers as the "the Mahdi."

In addition to Carl Benn’s historical exploration of this remarkable subject, this book includes the memoirs of two Mohawk veterans of the campaign, Louis Jackson and James Deer, who recorded the details of their adventures upon returning to Canada in 1885. It also presents readers with additional period documents, maps, historical images, and other materials to enhance appreciation of this unusual story, including an annotated roll of the Mohawks who won praise for the exceptional quality of their work in this legendary campaign in the chronicle of Britain’s expansion into Africa.