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Before World War I, John Shiwak, a skilled hunter and marksman, spent all of his days in the wilderness of Labrador, mastering his sharpshooting ability while hunting seals and caribou. He played a significant role in his community, leading hunting parties and passing on traditional knowledge to younger men like his son, Siku. While not formally trained for war, John practiced his skills in the wild, always prepared for any possible threats. His life was one of survival and leadership, with a deep connection to his family and heritage, unaware that his marksmanship would soon be in the great conflict of the war.

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(Father) John Shiwak

(Mother) Nanuq Shiwak

(Son) Siku Shiwak

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During the War, John Shiwak was fighting and using his skilled hunter and marksman ability to fight. John Shiwak wanted to send a letter back home to his wife Nanuq and his son Siku. He sent them a letter asking them how they were doing and how life was fighting in the War with their living conditions. The living conditions were terrible there was mud, poor sanitation, and pest infestation. Throughout the war, John would have faced the dual challenge of surviving the brutal conditions of World War I while also demonstrating his mastery as a sharpshooter and leader, far from the cold, familiar lands of Labrador.

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At the end of World War I, John Shiwak would have returned to his community in Labrador, struggling to fit into civilian life after the trauma of war. He faced the psychological scars of combat, including PTSD, while reconnecting with his wife, Nanuq, and son, Siku. As a respected leader and veteran, he would have shared his experiences with his community, offering a helping need to those who faced their own challenges. Despite the weight of loss and trauma, John would have worked to rebuild his life as a father, hunter, and guide in the remote wilderness of Labrador.

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Spring, 1919 – Labrador

Dear John,

Things have changed a lot since you left. Siku is growing fast and learning to take care of the family like you taught him. He leads small hunting trips now and says he wants to be just like you. We all miss you so much, but we’re proud of everything you’ve done. Life feels different without you here, but we’re doing our best to stay strong.

Making a living has been hard, especially during the winter. The seals weren’t around much, and the prices at the trading post keep going up. I’ve been sewing mittens and boots from the hides Siku brings back, and we trade them to get what we need. It’s not the same as having you here to lead us, but we’re managing as best as we can.

The past year has been tough. A sickness came to the village, and many people didn’t survive. Siku and I were lucky to stay healthy, but it was scary. We think of you often and pray for your safety. We know it must be hard where you are, but your strength gives us hope.

Please come home soon. We love and miss you more than words can say.

Love,
Nanuq

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In the Roaring Twenties, the Shiwak family continued to rely on hunting and trading to support themselves in Labrador, as the modern advancements of the time had little reach in their small community. John, having returned from the war, became a leader, teaching survival skills and sharing his experiences to strengthen his community. While the world embraced new technologies and social changes, the Shiwaks focused on preserving their cultural heritage and adjusting to local challenges. Their close-knit family values and resilience helped them navigate the hardships of the era while holding onto their traditions.

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The Shiwak family, being Indigenous, could have been directly or indirectly affected by residential schools during the 1920s. If the family lived in an area where these schools operated, they might have faced the threat of having Siku or other children taken away, disrupting their family and cultural traditions. The family would have been greatly affected by the anxiety and pressure to adjust even if Siku hadn't been taken by force. These schools represented a broader colonial effort to erase Indigenous identities, which would have challenged the Shiwaks’ efforts to preserve their way of life and pass their heritage to future generations.

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During the Stock Market Crash and Great Depression, the Shiwak family likely faced even greater economic difficulty as trade and resources became difficult to find in Labrador. They would have relied heavily on traditional hunting, fishing, and crafting skills to survive, as store-bought goods became too expensive or unavailable. John and Siku may have taken on additional roles as guides or trappers to bring in any extra income or goods through trade. Despite the challenges, their strong connection to the land and self-sufficiency helped them endure the difficult times while remaining deeply connected in their cultural traditions.

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Winter, 1933 – Labrador

Dear Father,

Things have changed a lot since the crash. Everyone in the family is working harder than before. Mother is sewing mittens and boots to trade, and I’ve been hunting and fishing more to help provide. It feels like we’re relying more on the old ways of living to survive, and I’ve had to step up, just like you did when you were here. Your teachings are still with me every day.

Life has been tough. With little money coming in, we rely on what we can gather or make ourselves. Last winter was really hard, but we made it through by sharing what we had with the people in the community. The cold, hunger, and worry have brought us all closer together, and I know it’s your lessons that keep us strong.

Even in hard times, we find ways to stay happy. Mother tells stories around the fire, and sometimes we all sing together. It reminds me of what you always said: our family and traditions are what help us through the hardest times.

Your son,
Siku

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During World War II, the Shiwak family faced many challenges, even though they lived far from the fighting. The war made it harder to get supplies and trade goods, and the economy was uncertain, but they relied on their traditional skills like hunting and fishing to survive. John, having already fought in World War I, carried the emotional weight of the conflict, while Siku stepped up to help provide for the family and community. Despite the hardships, their strong bond to each other and their traditions helped them stay resilient and get through the tough times. Through their resourcefulness and reliance on family, the Shiwaks were able to navigate the difficult years of World War II, staying connected to their heritage while enduring the challenges brought on by the war.

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During the Home Front of World War II, the Shiwak family used their hunting and fishing skills to take care of themselves since supplies were hard to get. They helped their community by sharing what they had and supporting each other. John, who had already been through World War I, worried about the war and its effects on their loved ones. Despite the hard times, the family kept their traditions alive by teaching younger generations how to survive. Through all the challenges, the Shiwak family stayed strong by sticking together and relying on their skills and traditions to get through the tough times.

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During the Holocaust, the Shiwak family in Labrador was likely unaware of the full extent of what was happening in Europe, as they lived far from the conflict. They continued their traditional way of life, hunting and fishing to provide for themselves and their community. While the war impacted the world, the Shiwaks focused on surviving and protecting their way of life in Labrador. John, with his experience from World War I, may have been affected by the stories of suffering but remained focused on his family and their needs. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the Shiwak family stayed strong by relying on their traditions and supporting one another.

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Fall, 1943 – Labrador

Dear Father,

It’s been a while since I last wrote, and so much has changed since then. Mother is working even harder now, sewing mittens, boots, and anything else she can trade with the few travelers who pass through. I’ve been hunting more, and helping her with the work around the house, just as you showed me. It hasn’t been easy, but we do what we must to get by. Life is harder now with the war going on, and the shortage of supplies has made everything more difficult, but we keep going.

The whole community is struggling. With the cold weather already here, we’ve had to work even harder to make sure we have enough food and supplies for everyone. Some of the young men have gone off to fight in the war, and I worry about them. It’s tough, but we do what we can to support each other. Even though things are hard, we still find ways to be together. After a long day, Mother tells us stories by the fire, and we sing old songs. It brings us comfort and reminds us of the strength of our people and our traditions.

I think of you often, Father, and I hope you are well.

Your son,
Siku

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Royde-Smith, John Graham, and Dennis E. Showalter. “World War I.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Nov. 2018, www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I.

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Hughes, Thomas A., and John Graham Royde-Smith. “World War II.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Feb. 2022, www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II.

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Rice, Kylie. “Residential Schools and Their Lasting Impacts.” The Indigenous Foundation, 30 May 2021, www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/residential-schools-their-lasting-impacts.

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Montreal Holocaust Museum. “History of the Holocaust | Montreal Holocaust Museum.” Montreal Holocaust Museum, 2016, museeholocauste.ca/en/history-holocaust/.

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Onion, Amanda. “Roaring Twenties: Flappers, Prohibition & Jazz Age - HISTORY.” HISTORY, 14 Apr. 2010, www.history.com/topics/1920s/roaring-twenties-history.

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Citino, Robert. “The Home Front | the National WWII Museum | New Orleans.” The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, 2018, www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/home-front.

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Pells, Richard H, and Christina D Romer. “Great Depression.” Britannica, 23 Oct. 2024, www.britannica.com/event/Great-Depression.