Hear the Untold Story of a Canadian Code Talker from World War II | Short Film Showcase

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  • čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
  • During World War II, Charles “Checker” Tomkins fought the enemy with a different kind of weapon. As a code talker in the Canadian military, he used his knowledge of the native Cree language to help develop a top-secret communication system to defeat the Germans.
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    Tomkins worked closely with the U.S. Air Force and his coded messages were vital to the success of their combat missions. Sworn to secrecy, he did not speak about his efforts until more than fifty years later after being approached by the Smithsonian Institute. Tomkin’s brother and friend remember his story in this poetic short film by Alexandra Lazarowich ( / alexalexlaza .
    Learn more about Cree Code Talker and follow the film on Facebook.
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    / creecodetalker
    Hear the Untold Story of a Canadian Code Talker from World War II | Short Film Showcase
    • Hear the Untold Story ...
    National Geographic
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Komentáře • 157

  • @NatGeo
    @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +58

    Did you know there was a special unit dedicated to creating a unbreakable code based on the Cree language during WWII? How has Checker's story added to or altered your knowledge of WWII and the Canadian code talkers?

  • @somebrownguy3882
    @somebrownguy3882 Před 5 lety +99

    I’m a Cree Indian from northern Canada, this story warms my heart, and knowing I can speak the language today as a younger person makes me even more proud to be indigenous! I just watched this today and I have the most utmost respect to those native men who fought for us. Kinanâskomitinawaw kâkinaw ininiwak

    • @jq4136
      @jq4136 Před 5 lety +7

      I'm ojicree from northern Ontario. I only understood certain sentence and words . Meegwetch

    • @andrewjohnston1548
      @andrewjohnston1548 Před 4 lety +4

      Tansei Kneechee

    • @CLL9262
      @CLL9262 Před 2 lety +3

      Your comment touched me deeply.

    • @nehiyawwolf9284
      @nehiyawwolf9284 Před 2 lety +3

      Mushkegowuk Cree here.

    • @duncankyplain9673
      @duncankyplain9673 Před rokem +1

      So am I brother I’m from ile a la crosse

  • @elizabethsime5751
    @elizabethsime5751 Před 3 lety +25

    As a Canadian I am ashamed of the way these soldiers were treated. To these brave men I thank you for your service.

  • @TheSarahLeeBatch
    @TheSarahLeeBatch Před 11 měsíci +3

    Uncle Checker, Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Frank and my Grandpa Bud are having a beer and telling old stories together now…I miss them all and I’m so grateful I can rewatch this over and over ❤

  • @Katseye102
    @Katseye102 Před 6 lety +29

    Love and light to these men. They deserve so much more than they got.

  • @mercedeswilliams3929
    @mercedeswilliams3929 Před 3 lety +9

    I am from the cree federation and i bless our ancestors for fighting and allowing us to still be alive and some what well. Thank you Canada for appreciating our efforts

  • @peezim
    @peezim Před 5 lety +119

    My father was one of the 'Cree Code Talkers'. You can see his name at 5:39.

  • @JennyBlackbird
    @JennyBlackbird Před 4 lety +31

    My late grandfather's name is on that list. He served 4 & 1/2 years.

  • @charlesayache6801
    @charlesayache6801 Před 4 lety +11

    Keep teaching and learning the indigenous languages of the heroes of WW2.

  • @kenkubesh3516
    @kenkubesh3516 Před 6 lety +71

    I have the utmost respect for the indigenous people.

  • @natalie21601
    @natalie21601 Před 6 lety +51

    This was very interesting. Thank you National Geographics for sharing this. Some of us would never have known. I love documentaries and stories of WWII.

  • @NancyLynn
    @NancyLynn Před 3 lety +4

    Thank you for telling this story and RIP Checker!

  • @indigenousin-couragement9891

    Thank you for posting this.

  • @elizabethwezelman8547
    @elizabethwezelman8547 Před 3 lety +8

    I would like to have watched a longer documentary but realize we are lucky to have this. Thank you. Mr Tomkins hit it on the head when he said, " I love my country..." Canada has been blessed through men such as Corporal Tomkins. I hope that this documentary becomes an essential part of Canadian history taught in schools, plus more like it.

  • @gavinkunuk5017
    @gavinkunuk5017 Před 4 lety +87

    As a indigenous from Canada this made me cry when the quote said “ US or Canadian government have not recognized the role of Canadian code talkers in ww2 to this day”. I believe we as indigenous are upmost treated not fairly in anyway obeying every orders from gov or forced but still loyal to the orders and not treated fairly.

    • @patriceoneal2606
      @patriceoneal2606 Před 4 lety +6

      The U.S does a far better job of honoring and respecting Native Americans than Canada IMO and I'm Canadian. It seems like Americans revere Indian History while Canadians have and still see us as a "pest to the Crown".

    • @carlahemeon4453
      @carlahemeon4453 Před 3 lety +2

      I'm glad this mini documentary at the very least can get the word out.

    • @sethrenaud9461
      @sethrenaud9461 Před 3 lety +4

      Dear Gavin,
      If it helps at all: I am a Canadian History teacher in Nova Scotia and I dedicate myself to making sure my students do not leave the course without knowing of the rich history of the first peoples, pre and post contact; the friendship of early contact, the destruction of expansionism, the shame of broken treaties, the horrors of Residential Schools, and of course the bravery of warriors like Pegahmagabow, Tomkins, and thousands of others who fought for ideals loftier than the nations who ignored them. It is my hope that this knowledge will honour the indigenous peoples of this land, foster understanding, and lead us to reconcilliation.
      If I maybe allowed: M'sit No'kmaq (All my relations)

    • @connorcolquhou5845
      @connorcolquhou5845 Před 3 lety +1

      Trudeau is a POS we know.

    • @Lucky73678
      @Lucky73678 Před 2 lety

      As long as the wind blows and
      The eagle flies in a light blue sky,
      The memory of the bear
      Cannot be forgotton.

  • @carmendawnallan8871
    @carmendawnallan8871 Před 6 lety +16

    Thanks for this Share,Nice To hear about a Fellow Canadian in The Military . 😊 ♡ Lest We Forget 😊 ❤

  • @user-qt3ij7qx7r
    @user-qt3ij7qx7r Před 10 měsíci +1

    It abolutely breaks my heart hearing him "I'm sorry for taking up your time." Mosom do not ever ever ever apologize. I am so grateful for your service and the same to the Indigenous soldiers.

    • @TheSarahLeeBatch
      @TheSarahLeeBatch Před 9 měsíci

      I sob every time I hear Uncle say that…I miss him so much ❤

  • @shelleyhender8537
    @shelleyhender8537 Před rokem +2

    Growing up in the Canadian North, I had the privilege to live among our beautiful Indigenous peoples, and obviously this including having a mixed relationship! Being of mixed heritage, it makes me GRATEFUL for all the unique peoples in Canada! Blessings to all!🇨🇦☺🇨🇦

  • @carlahemeon4453
    @carlahemeon4453 Před 3 lety +8

    I knew the Navajos in the US did code talking in WW2, but I had no idea the Crees in Canada did it first!

  • @felixcretu4993
    @felixcretu4993 Před 6 lety +30

    When you are the last one in the call, and all of your friends are gone :(

    • @novakstevanovic9031
      @novakstevanovic9031 Před 6 lety +1

      poobear Cretu I am sure thats equivalent to helping your country win the bloodiest war in history.

    • @rebeccaluis1223
      @rebeccaluis1223 Před 6 lety +1

      Wow please explain what you mean becouse im very sure that being the last one on the phone doesn't compare to being the last on in your platoon

    • @st2whocares988
      @st2whocares988 Před 4 lety +1

      @@rebeccaluis1223 and Novak Stevanovic he meant no harm in what he says and I am sure he knows what you are both saying

  • @Butterfliesandbees
    @Butterfliesandbees Před 3 lety +3

    Our men were quick to stand up and protect you and your families. And we’re still treated like we’re not human. I was going to ask when will we ever get that in return but I know the answer.

  • @Relaxbruuh
    @Relaxbruuh Před 3 lety +7

    I’m proud to speak my language (Cree)

  • @Jarod-vg9wq
    @Jarod-vg9wq Před 4 lety +8

    As a Canadian I be live a monument should be made for the First Nation code talkers for giving the allies a extraordinary advantage

  • @stilcrazychris
    @stilcrazychris Před 6 lety +36

    Why can't they recognise these code talkers & treat them with the respect they deserve. I'm part Native American & this makes me mad that they can't recognise these brave men!
    CODE TALKERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY & WINNING THE WAR FOR THE USA!!

    • @1984potionlover
      @1984potionlover Před 5 lety +10

      Helping win the war for the Allies is a more correct way of phrasing this. The United States were not the only ones who fought and died in WWll. My thanks to all those who gave their time, and put their lives at risk, or even died, in service to their countries. Words alone cannot ever repay the debt we owe to those both known, and unknown.

    • @shelleyhender8537
      @shelleyhender8537 Před rokem

      @@1984potionlover My thoughts EXACTLY!🇨🇦

  • @chrisbreezy-ryanbarbosa4320

    Really amazing, I wish my generation had more respect for what these fine gentlemen of the greatest generation did for us.

  • @pennyhaas9756
    @pennyhaas9756 Před 2 lety +1

    Hero's one and all.... Thank You For Your Service...🍁

  • @inthezoneeeechief
    @inthezoneeeechief Před 6 lety +26

    Francis Pegahmagabow was also another one to look into, though WW1, read "Three Day Road".

  • @meechy9166
    @meechy9166 Před rokem +3

    Thank you to all your beautiful, courageous soldiers for all your contributions on this Earth!!! And this being one of the main reasons WWII was won!!! All love and blessings to all Indigenous people and everyone reading this🙏🙏🙏💚💚💚💚💙💙💙

  • @krystlblue4980
    @krystlblue4980 Před 6 lety +5

    Thank you for posting this. I have already shared this with people.

  • @SillyWillyBillyFilly
    @SillyWillyBillyFilly Před rokem +1

    I can’t believe it’s been four years and I haven’t seen this till now- he was either my great grandpas friend or he was my great grandpa I need to ask my mother lol- but I love this ^^ ❤

  • @mrsseasea
    @mrsseasea Před 4 lety +18

    Is sad both my grandpas fought in WWI and WWII , yet we as Native Americans were not allowed to VOTE. I’m proud to be Native, and pass this down to my grand kids.

    • @BiGGtuGG-ut9ir
      @BiGGtuGG-ut9ir Před 3 lety

      Wut. You can’t vote.

    • @BiGGtuGG-ut9ir
      @BiGGtuGG-ut9ir Před 3 lety

      Pretty sure you can. My community has voted for a while.

    • @deez254
      @deez254 Před rokem +1

      @@BiGGtuGG-ut9ir past tense maybe ?

    • @lavernemoreno7168
      @lavernemoreno7168 Před rokem

      We as Native people of North America this land is our Land, the Creator who above human laws ie, voting, citizenship -GAVE US Rights long ago, try think about it that way. Our way of justifying is from westernized thinking and judgements.

  • @michaeldaley4160
    @michaeldaley4160 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you for your service respectively!!🇨🇦✌

  • @Spinnylespin
    @Spinnylespin Před 2 lety +4

    WWI and WWII would have gone much differently for Canadians if not for the contributions of Indigenous people. Non-Indigenous Canadians are forever in their debt.

  • @kesharkhadkapunwar2029
    @kesharkhadkapunwar2029 Před 6 lety +5

    Thanks a lot!
    May God bless you!
    Hail! Nepal!!!

    • @rebeccaluis1223
      @rebeccaluis1223 Před 6 lety

      Keshar Khadka Punwar they're native Americans not that kind of indians Lol it was a easy mistake

  • @CDNShuffle
    @CDNShuffle Před 6 lety +7

    before this video begins , thank you for this

  • @JulesBlesse
    @JulesBlesse Před 6 měsíci

    I’m Cree and I understood everything without the subtitles I love what my people did for us

  • @kiasax2
    @kiasax2 Před 7 měsíci

    This is fantastic to learn!
    Wado for their service to our country.
    Never forget and always honor.
    That's from a combat veteran to all veterans, sisters and brothers, ALL VETERANS.
    Blessings ...

  • @robd7703
    @robd7703 Před 6 lety +6

    Wonderful. Thank you.

  • @miserable-man8545
    @miserable-man8545 Před 3 lety +3

    Cree is the largest linguistic group in Canada.

  • @odnine
    @odnine Před 6 lety +10

    That's actually super cool.

  • @antoniomari2730
    @antoniomari2730 Před 4 měsíci

    I just adore these kind of Canadian stories ❤

  • @ItchyKneeSon
    @ItchyKneeSon Před 6 lety +16

    Nat. Geo., you should SERIOUSLY consider changing your outro. At least the music, if nothing else. You put out such nice content, often relaxing and/or heartwarming. Then, once the credits are over, you blow out my speakers and flip the mood the film just set on its head. Who makes these decisions?
    With that said, thank you for all of the beneficial, educational content. It's no small task to keep the production machine running.

    • @ItchyKneeSon
      @ItchyKneeSon Před 6 lety +2

      yupmynameismelody When I remember, I pause the video when the credits start. But, sometimes I forget or am busy with something else and that bass shakes the apartment. I only mentioned it because it's happened numerous times and they have another, quieter outro that they use. I imagine I'm not the only one that feels this way either.
      Even so, as I wrote previously, I'm very grateful for the quality content they produce and provide to us free of charge.

    • @andrewjohnston1548
      @andrewjohnston1548 Před 4 lety

      Nat geo didn't do this bud

  • @superduperenoc1371
    @superduperenoc1371 Před 4 lety +4

    Cool I didn’t know Canada had code talkers !! This is like the Navajo code talkers for the U.S during ww2

    • @SilentGlaceon94
      @SilentGlaceon94 Před 4 lety +2

      There's another group of Code Talkers that were involved in WWII, the Comanche Code Talkers. Sadly, none of the original Code Talkers are alive to this day.

  • @aniruddha_mandal
    @aniruddha_mandal Před 6 lety +11

    Thanks natgeo for telling us about those heroes. The US government should recognize them as heroes!!!

    • @martytruelove5026
      @martytruelove5026 Před 6 lety +5

      The Canadian Government needs to recognize this as well.

  • @podsmpsg1
    @podsmpsg1 Před 5 lety +7

    The Canadian equivalent of Navajo Code Talkers used by the USMC.

  • @housephone8646
    @housephone8646 Před 6 lety +3

    Thank u for sharing

  • @leemason4024
    @leemason4024 Před 3 lety +1

    Great story, beautiful film!

  • @blakeauger4164
    @blakeauger4164 Před 3 lety +3

    I understand everything they say god keep them and Canada strong

  • @deborahmillette
    @deborahmillette Před 4 lety +9

    Migweetch!

  • @winnysneece694
    @winnysneece694 Před 6 lety +4

    Excellent!

  • @christophercoupe5006
    @christophercoupe5006 Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you Charles for helping defeat an evil Germany in WW2

  • @mrsprince19
    @mrsprince19 Před 4 lety +3

    J.M McLeod was a boy who is memorialized at my school!

  • @inajames3160
    @inajames3160 Před 2 měsíci

    This should be told in every school in canada. The curriculum must be corrected in every aspect.❤

  • @erminecii1391
    @erminecii1391 Před 3 lety +3

    Put some respect on our name, we started this program wayyy before the Americans and Navajos started there’s

    • @erminecii1391
      @erminecii1391 Před 3 lety +2

      My father and my cree side all speak fluently, my other side is dene and all my dene side still speak it

  • @ceenyb
    @ceenyb Před 2 lety +1

    We are very proud of all of our native code talkers, mostly especially the Comanche Code Talkers. Thank you for posting this video. Celyna Yellowfish Morales 040922

  • @zCopyCatz
    @zCopyCatz Před 6 lety +4

    Thank god there was no Google Translate during that time.

  • @sirmeowthelibrarycat
    @sirmeowthelibrarycat Před 6 lety +37

    😳 This is very similar to the use of Navaho speakers by the US military in the Second World War. There is so much ignorance of the treatment of indigenous peoples in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere.

    • @RezziesRUs
      @RezziesRUs Před 6 lety +2

      THe Navajo US version is somewhere on youtube as well. Very similar to this one. Both great films for archaeological purposes at university level.

    • @dn2ze
      @dn2ze Před 5 lety +1

      Preston LaVallee language wise two different people and cultures. Closest to Navajo aka Dine would be Chipewyan aka Dene since both are from Athabaskan language family tree. Just because we look the same doesn’t mean we are the same. Cultures and languages makes us different people.

    • @nozecone
      @nozecone Před 3 lety

      @@dn2ze What he meant was that the two videos are similar.

  • @willmcintyre580
    @willmcintyre580 Před 3 lety +4

    Watching this makes me, as a Canadian, ashamed of my country. These men (all men) that sacrificed for our country during the war especially should be honoured and recognised. We have had successive governments that have ignored this situation claiming no funds but can find millions to give away to countries they couldn't find on a map. It makes me want to puke and the Liberals are especially known for this type of cowardice.

  • @ShadeRaven222
    @ShadeRaven222 Před rokem

    Don't be sad for taking up my time. You fought for it.

  • @overthecountermedicationforyou

    Thank you for your service Navajajo tribe code talkers
    Over The Counter Medication For You LLC

  • @ucntcit
    @ucntcit Před 6 lety +1

    An example of good communication to human beings is someone you can't understand in the midst of a global conflict.

  • @jogasozinho
    @jogasozinho Před 5 lety +4

    I was searching for Code Talker archetype from yu-gi-oh series and i find this ...

  • @tarekbania432
    @tarekbania432 Před 6 lety +2

    stupendous

  • @happilyinsane7803
    @happilyinsane7803 Před 5 lety +3

    His family crest lays with William Wallace or William the Conqueror
    Sword.

  • @apotato1529
    @apotato1529 Před 2 lety

    Do not be sorry. It is us who are sorry for you thinking it was a waste of time. Thank you, for the Gifts of the Treaty Peoples.

  • @josephinekush5056
    @josephinekush5056 Před 6 měsíci

    As an Indigenous veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, 1968-1974 I consider this video an insult to all CF members, past & present.

  • @lovergood69
    @lovergood69 Před 9 měsíci

    nice vid

  • @Jarod-vg9wq
    @Jarod-vg9wq Před 4 lety

    11:45 don’t be as a Canadian and war buff I love your story

  • @samyza200
    @samyza200 Před 4 lety +2

    They look mati and speak cree

  • @christylazaro6692
    @christylazaro6692 Před 6 lety +6

    S A L U T E

  • @Adriana-rh6sg
    @Adriana-rh6sg Před 6 lety +4

    😥

  • @andrewchu6370
    @andrewchu6370 Před 2 lety

    Song name at 10:45?

  • @charliechristianson
    @charliechristianson Před 6 lety +2

    windtalkers

  • @c.neekan9118
    @c.neekan9118 Před 6 lety +2

    Its a shame,,most natives today dont know there language,,

    • @garedmacdonald5164
      @garedmacdonald5164 Před 5 lety +4

      christ .R not all, I’m aboriginal, I know my language, almost everyone from my reserve knows their language, I’m dene, most cree I’ve met don’t know their language though, an from an aboriginals perspective that’s the shame.. no hate or anything, some just lose their way I guess.

    • @dn2ze
      @dn2ze Před 5 lety +2

      Christ. N maybe in America but in Canada indigenous language Is alive and strong....in fact indigenous cultures and indigenous languages still influence Canada something Americans should learn a thing or two from Canada

    • @deerock2374
      @deerock2374 Před 4 lety

      No Thanks to the government and residential schools..they wanted to get the indian out of us..and assimilate..took us away from our families..cut our hair..not allowed to speak our language..sexually abused our people..some even killed..learn the history before you start bashing our people for not speaking or knowing our language

    • @jessefrank870
      @jessefrank870 Před 27 dny

      Our language was wiped out of us by the government!

  • @lunaglow96
    @lunaglow96 Před 6 lety +1

    cool

  • @TramainBacchus
    @TramainBacchus Před 5 lety +2

    "Words that kill"

  • @kurok-p3q
    @kurok-p3q Před 3 lety +1

    Sooskwats nimithōtīn oma kachimochik

  • @Ayayayupiyupiyey
    @Ayayayupiyupiyey Před 6 lety +3

    watch Windtalkers movie.

  • @dn2ze
    @dn2ze Před 5 lety +5

    6:45 I like that he acknowledged that not even Americans couldn’t understand the language they had to use their own to communicate lmao 😂 no wonder Americans skip over this part of history in war....

  • @josephinekush5056
    @josephinekush5056 Před 6 měsíci

    OMG! Those two old guys are wearing medals they're not entitled to. They never served in WW2. And the guy wearing the WW2 period RC Signal Corps cap badge on a Canadian Airborne Regiment beret? This is an insult to Canada's real Indigenous veterans. - George Kush. Member Blackfoot Headdress (Veteran's) Society, Fort Macleod, AB.

  • @michaelpcooksey5096
    @michaelpcooksey5096 Před 2 lety

    Would have liked more data and less slow heart throb piano playing.

  • @TheOriginalSindini
    @TheOriginalSindini Před 4 lety +1

    Dated "Smoky's" Daughter for a few years. Her and her Sister where naughty girls, sleeping with there first Cousin😂

  • @lazarusyellowhead2354
    @lazarusyellowhead2354 Před 9 měsíci

    This was not our war shame on them

  • @cashieauguste5130
    @cashieauguste5130 Před 3 lety

    Hello everyone

  • @amandabeaty1492
    @amandabeaty1492 Před 5 lety +1

    Pretty sure this was part of Grade 10 Social Studies. Seems to me I knew the history.

  • @matthewmann8969
    @matthewmann8969 Před 2 lety

    Swathy

  • @josephinekush5056
    @josephinekush5056 Před 6 měsíci

    This is total BS. There were no Cree code-talkers in the Canadian army in WW2. Certainly none that ever worked with the US Army Air Force (There was no US Airforce in WW2) This is absolutely the most ridiculous story I've ever heard. - George Kush, member, Blackfoot Headdress (Veteran's) Society @ Trail's End Studio, Fort Macleod, AB.

  • @drazgul9403
    @drazgul9403 Před 6 lety +1

    Of course we didn't hear it, because it was *encoded* badumm tssss...
    But no seriously, *salute*

  • @yahiaassad5682
    @yahiaassad5682 Před 6 lety +2

    2nd

  • @Bookzz448
    @Bookzz448 Před 6 lety +2

    1ST

  • @AO-se1xx
    @AO-se1xx Před 6 lety +1

    how many like for name god

  • @brokemalone7011
    @brokemalone7011 Před 6 lety +4

    Glorifying war as usual.

    • @Codoloco1
      @Codoloco1 Před 6 lety +17

      Not even close, your'e lucky we had people like this in WW2. You and I wouldn't have been born.

    • @DF-mw1sh
      @DF-mw1sh Před 6 lety +6

      BustaDontRhyme no just no

    • @brokemalone7011
      @brokemalone7011 Před 6 lety +1

      kamalindsey four words too much for you?

    • @sirmeowthelibrarycat
      @sirmeowthelibrarycat Před 6 lety

      BustaDontRhyme 😡 Four words. And you have nothing more to say than that? If at all possible, explain yourself!

    • @nepadron
      @nepadron Před 6 lety +5

      He was crying about his loss in the first minute of tape...how is that glorifying? He lost so much in his life, he is telling a history no one heard (or will hear) about.

  • @overthecountermedicationforyou

    Thank you for your service Navajajo tribe code talkers
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  • @lovergood69
    @lovergood69 Před 9 měsíci

    nice vid

  • @rinsama5202
    @rinsama5202 Před 6 lety +2

    2nd