Our Heroes
Joe Poucette
Joe Poucette was born on April 28, 1924, at Morley, Alberta, and was one of seven children born to the late Peter and Jenny (Cecil) Poucette. A proud member of the Stoney Nakoda Sioux First Nation, Joe had a deep love for his family, community, culture and country. He enjoyed sports, hunting and the Calgary Stampede and was also a traditional Chicken Dancer.
Despite strong opposition from his mother, who feared for her young son, Joe enlisted in the Canadian Army in Calgary on October 15, 1943. His decision was greatly supported by his community, which honoured him with a traditional ceremony and song before he departed. Joe later served as a rifleman with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Royal Canadian Infantry Corps.
While serving overseas, Joe wrote home about his family and friends at Morley and expressed his disappointment at missing the Calgary Stampede. Although he wished he could return home, he understood the importance of his service, writing that he knew he was “doing the right job.”
Rifleman Joe Poucette was killed in action in France on August 15, 1944, at only 20 years of age. He was laid to rest with honour at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in Calvados, France, where his grave is marked XVI.F.4.
Joe never married or had children, but his legacy lives on through his family and community. He is remembered as a proud Stoney Nakoda warrior, and his courage and sacrifice continue to be honoured each year by his loving family and the community of Mînî Thnî, Alberta.
Lest we forget.
A Portrait Created in His Memory
In 1989, Joe Poucette’s family commissioned artist Roland Rollinmud to create this portrait in his memory. Painted more than four decades after Joe was killed in action, the portrait reflects how his family and community continued to honour him long after the war.
The artwork depicts Joe proudly wearing his military uniform and medals, preserving his image not only as a Canadian soldier but as a beloved son, brother and Stoney Nakoda Sioux warrior. It represents the enduring connection between Joe, his family and the community that continues to commemorate his courage and sacrifice.
Portrait commissioned by the Poucette family in 1989 and painted by Roland Rollinmud. Image preserved by Veterans Affairs Canada.
A Young Warrior Remembered
This surviving wartime photograph of Joe Poucette, preserved courtesy of the House family, shows the young rifleman in uniform. Although the exact date and location of the photograph are unknown, it offers a rare and deeply personal glimpse of Joe during his military service.
Before being sent overseas, Joe completed 48 days of basic training followed by specialized rifleman training. He arrived in northern France on June 23, 1944, only weeks after D-Day, and served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles during the difficult fighting around Carpiquet, Caen and the advance toward the Falaise Pocket.
Joe’s service was brief, but his courage, cultural pride and sacrifice have left a legacy that continues to be honoured by his family and the Stoney Nakoda Sioux community.
Original photograph courtesy of the House family.
