On Remembrance Day, Canada pays tribute to those who fought for the nation, recognizing not only the soldiers on the front lines but also individuals who experienced the devastations of war in other significant ways. Among these remarkable figures is Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture, the first Indigenous nurse in Canada, whose contributions during World War I and beyond have been commemorated with her designation as a National Historic Person in 2025.
Born into the Mohawk community of Six Nations of the Grand River, Monture served as a nurse and surgical assistant with the American Expeditionary Force. She was assigned to Buffalo Base Hospital 23, located in Alsace-Lorraine, right at the front lines of battle. Facing barriers in Canada, where Ontario nursing schools refused to admit her, Monture sought her training in New Rochelle, New York, before enlisting in the war effort in 1917.
Describing her experiences, her granddaughter, Terri Monture, shared insights into the intensity of Edith’s duties. “They would bring in waves and waves of injured men. The wards … would be rows and rows, and various nurses were assigned single patients,” remarked Terri. During her time overseas, Edith kept a detailed diary chronicling her journey from the voyage to France to her daily life caring for wounded soldiers.
Her diary revealed the devastating realities of her role. “She said a lot of her job was basically sitting with young men as they died. So overnight, she would hold their hand. She would sing to them. She would talk to them about their families and their homes. She said it was really intense work and she didn’t sleep a lot,” Terri explained, highlighting the emotional toll of her work amidst the chaos of war.
Upon returning to Canada, Monture utilized her extensive nursing skills to serve her community, providing critical medical care during the Spanish Flu pandemic. She became a prominent figure at the Lady Willingdon Hospital in Ohsweken, solidifying her status as the first Indigenous nurse in Canada. Her efforts were paramount in ensuring that her community benefited from the knowledge and skills she gained during her wartime service.
Beyond her work as a nurse, Monture also supported the World War II efforts from home, making bandages to be sent to troops. She dedicated her life to nursing and continued her work into her seventies, reflecting her unwavering commitment to healthcare and her community.
Terri Monture emphasized the lasting impact of her grandmother's legacy, stating, “Her example has really given, not only me and all my cousins, but also our grandkids and our great grandkids the idea that I can do anything I want to do.” Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture’s influence reaches beyond her immediate family, resonating with the broader Indigenous community and the nation as a whole.
To honor her legacy, April 10, her birthday, has been designated as National Indigenous Nurses Day in Canada. This recognition symbolizes the profound contributions of Indigenous nurses and acknowledges the importance of their role in both historical and contemporary contexts. Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture's story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Indigenous individuals during times of conflict, as well as their enduring impact on healthcare in Canada.
