Click here to see a copy of Maurice's discharge papers Maurice Gardner was born at Shoal Lake, Ontario on September 13, 1900. He was the son of Saakichiwe-gaabawiik Ogemah of Shoal Lake and William (Bill) Gardner of Wabigoon First Nation.
Maurice attended Residential School as did his first seven children. After the War, he did not want any more of his children to attend Residential School. But against his wishes, three more of his children had to attend Residential School.
Education and learning were important to Maurice. He taught his family much about working the trap lines and living in harmony with nature.
Maurice is remembered as being a very spiritual man. All Ojibway people belong to a clan, and the Gardner family belonged to the Moose clan. The Ojibway people believe that the way to higher understanding is aided through the helpers of God, the angels, known as Aatsognaanak. Maurice was also known to quote the Bible from heart.
Maurice enlisted with the Canadian Army in February 1942 and was stationed at the Fort Osborne Barracks. While he was training there, one of his younger sons Arthur came to join the Army and to be with his father. But Maurice informed the commanding officer that Arthur was too young and he was thus sent home.
While enlisted in the Army, Maurice saw active duty in Northwestern Europe and in Italy. He rarely talked about his experience in the War, but he had one recollection to tell. During one battle he and his men were pinned down by direct enemy fire in a trench. Maurice prayed to the spirits and then he heard a moose and a lady chanting. Under heavy enemy fire, Maurice led his men in the direction of the chant of The Spirits until he and his men were safe from enemy fire.
Maurice received an honorable discharge from the Canadian Army in 1945. After the War he worked for the Woodlands department of the Dryden Paper Mill. He also practiced commercial fishing and trapping.
Maurice passed away in 1973.