Hey Collective Crew, Shaun here. Why are the most profound acts of bravery so often the least remembered? This week on The Collective, we sought to answer that question by exploring the lives of “Unsung Heroes.” Chance and I were joined by Pat Miller, and Jason Dempsey for a deep and at times challenging conversation about the true nature of heroism. We moved beyond the shallow, modern-day use of the word to tell the stories of incredible Canadians like Francis Pegahmagabow, Tommy Prince, Léo Major, Mona Parsons, and Mary Greyeyes – figures whose extraordinary courage was often met with systemic indifference. The discussion was a raw look at what it takes to act in the face of impossible odds, why true heroes never see themselves as such, and our collective responsibility to keep their stories alive.
This Week’s Storytellers:
– Pat Miller: Former CANSOFCOM member, bringing an infantry and special operations perspective on acts of valor.
– Jason Dempsey: Former RCAF Pilot and Founder of Blackbird Industries, whose research into Francis Pegahmagabow, combined with a side conversation on the Campbell River drop zone, helped sparked the episode.
Key Insights from Our “Unsung Heroes” Discussion:
1. Heroism Isn’t Skittles – Reclaiming a Devalued Word
We immediately confronted the problem that the word “hero” is thrown around like handfuls of Skittles, so casually and frequently common today that it has lost its meaning. As Pat noted, it’s become “gross.” We all agreed that true heroism is reserved for “demigod level” acts, often performed in extraordinary circumstances, and that our society has lowered the bar so much that we’ve lost context for what real sacrifice and gallantry look like.
2. The Legend of Francis Pegahmagabow
Jason introduced us to the incredible story of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldier of WWI. A sniper credited with 378 kills and capturing 300 prisoners, Pegahmagabow fought in nearly every major Canadian battle of the war, was gassed twice, and survived pneumonia in the trenches. Upon returning to Canada, he was denied his pension and rights, which fueled him to become a powerful activist and leader for his people, a double legend forged in war and injustice.
3. Tommy Prince – The Inspiration on the Wall
We discussed another legendary Indigenous soldier, Tommy Prince, a member of the elite Devil’s Brigade. I shared a personal story of seeing his photograph on my first day at Camp Wainwright Infantry Battle School. Looking into his eyes, I thought, “I want to be that guy.” His story of solo reconnaissance and fearless action became a foundational inspiration for my own military career, it became something to seek, proving that these hero stories are not just history; they are powerful sparks for the next generation.
4. The System of Forgetting
A powerful theme was the institutional and societal failure to properly recognize these heroes. We explored how systemic racism, stifling bureaucracy, pedantic award criteria, and even professional jealousy from fellow veterans who serve as ignorant or spiteful gatekeepers, preventing deserving individuals from getting their due. As Pat passionately noted, we seem to be in an era where we hand out participation medals freely but refuse to acknowledge true, history-altering heroism.
5. A Heroic Act Does Not Make a Hero
The conversation grappled with a nuanced question: Does committing a heroic act automatically make you a hero? We concluded that it is often the perception of others that bestows the title. The act itself is a moment, but the label of “hero” is something that society, or those you saved, place upon you.
6. The Hallmark of a Hero – Humility
A recurring point was that true heroes almost never consider themselves to be one. They often see their actions as simply “doing their job” or what needed to be done in the moment. This profound humility stands in stark contrast to the modern thirst for recognition and is perhaps the most telling characteristic of those who have performed truly extraordinary deeds.
7. The Failure of Modern Storytelling
We lamented the chasm between authentic hero stories and the “fakearonieness” of Hollywood. Jason pointed out that currently the highest-grossing WWI film is Wonder Woman, not 1917 or All Quiet on the Western Front. This highlights a cultural disconnect from heroism. We need more independent, authentic projects that deal with real history and heroism like Jason’s upcoming film about Francis Pegahmagabow, Gordo’s (All The Way Factory) upcoming documentary on psychedelic assisted therapy for JTF2 and CSOR veterans fighting the unseen wounds of war, or Tip Cullen’s recently released movie “Sunray” an independently funded passion-project movie driven by and portrayed by a small group of Royal Marine Commandos who wanted to address mental health and the cost of war. These podcast guests want to tell these stories with the soul and gravity they deserve, to remind people that heroism has a real, human cost. We need more of it.
8. Heroes as a Mirror of Society
A listener comment sparked a final, challenging thought: “Heroes are mirrors of the society of the day.” This forced us to reflect on who we idolize now – celebrities, athletes, politicians, business leaders – and what that says about our current values. If we are failing to recognize true heroes, it may be because we, as a society, are no longer capable of seeing or understanding what their actions truly represent.
Final Thought: Heroism is a Legacy of Inspiration, Not a Collection of Medals.
True heroism is not defined by the medals awarded or the statues erected, but by the enduring legacy of inspiration it leaves behind. The stories of these unsung heroes are a crucial part of our national identity, reminding us of the human capacity for courage, resilience, and self-sacrifice. It is our duty not just to remember their names, but to understand their actions and carry the standard they set forward.
Whose unsung story do we need to tell?
Listen to the full “Unsung Heroes” discussion here: Unsung Heroes
Keep remembering,
Shaun & The Collective Crew
