Private Philip Favel served in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps during the Second World War, fighting under dangerous conditions in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
After the war, Indigenous veterans often faced systemic barriers that led to the denial of benefits granted to all other veterans. As a member of the Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan, Favel took up their cause. He campaigned for equal compensation and served as the Grand Chief of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association.
Artist Elaine Goble painted Favel in 2020 based on photographs and video footage, as the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from meeting in person. The portrait was unveiled at the Canadian War Museum on Indigenous Veterans Day, 8 November 2020. Philip Favel passed away on 31 January 2021 at 98 years of age.
