Private Michael Mathew Ackabee born 3 April 1892 at Sandy Lake, north of Dinorwic, and spent his whole life in the district except for his time with the CEF during the Great War.
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
His parents Andrew Ackabee and Mary Gilbert (Clear Sky Skaychommskook). He had at least four siblings – Elizabeth, William, Nancy and Joseph (father of Stanley Michael Joseph). Michael a Treaty Indian with the Wabigoon Band. As of January 2008, the First Nation had a registered population of 533 people, of which their on-Reserve population was 175.
Enlistment of Private Michael Mathew Ackabee
Michael at Northwest Angle on Lake of the Woods in early 1916 when he decided to enlist. He walked into Kenora and joined the local unit of the 94th battalion on 26 January 1916. A few months later, on 27 May he left for Port Arthur with the 94th Battalion. On 28 June 1916 he embarked from Halifax aboard the S.S. Olympic.
Michael transferred to the 17th Reserve Battalion upon his arrival in England. He then joined the 28th Battalion in France on 25 August 1916.
First Wound Stripe
He received a shrapnel wound to his right hand on 26 September 1916 and was in hospital until 14 October.
Michael sprained his left knee during recreational training in February 1917 and was again hospitalized until 9th of May. He was found not responsible for his injury.
VDG, 12 December 1917, No 6 CFA. To No 22 CCS, 16 December and to No 51 Gen Hosp Etaples, 20 December 1917.
3 January 1918, 3 days FP No 1 for AWOL from Parade, 20 December 1917.
Discharged to duty from hospital, 19 January 1918.
Second Wound Stripe
Wounded, but remained at duty, 23 August 1918.
Third Wound Stripe
A third injury occurred on 9th October 1918 when Michael sustained a gun shot wound to the head.
Sent to England for treatment, and attached to the 15th Reserve Battalion. In the Princess Patricia Canadian Red Cross Hospital until 25th October 1918.
Deserter
Absent since 4 November 1918, and declared a Deserter at Bramshott. ToS 15th Reserve Battalion, having been apprehended by MPs at Liphoek, posted to B Company, Bramshott, 21 December 1918.
Awarded 21 days detention, forfeits 23 and 15 days pay while awaiting trial, from 21 December to 6 January 1919. Sentence duly promulgated, 9 January 1919, AWOL and negligently losing kit.
He was struck off strength on 15 March 1919 and returned to Canada on 24 March 1919 aboard the Royal George.
Post War Life of Private Michael Ackabee
Michael came back to the Dryden area and known as a good athlete who enjoyed playing baseball. Pitcher on a Dryden team. He had a son, Raymond, who was attending the Kenora Roman Catholic Indian Residential School in 1938.
Michael, a resident of Eagle River, died of pneumonia in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Kenora on 31 August 1938. Buried in the Roman Catholic section of Lake of the Woods Cemetery, Kenora. His grave marker provided by Last Post Fund in 2018.
Private Stanley Michael Joseph Ackabee
Private Stanley Michael Joseph Ackabee, Michael’s nephew, served with the Canadian Forestry Corps during the Second World War. Son of Joseph and Charlotte Ackabee, of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Brother of Silas, Ida, Jessie and Christina. Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, War Medal 1939-45.
He died November 23, 1947 and buried in Winnipeg Assumption Gardens, Plot 171. Sec. B. Grave 3.
