[2] Shiwak, an Inuk, lived at Cul-de-Sac, a small community near his birthplace of Rigolet, at the entrance to Lake Melville.
[2] Shiwak had joined the Legion of Frontiersmen, a paramilitary organization that had been founded in Great Britain in 1905 and had set up operations in Newfoundland in 1911.
[1][2] During his time in the war his superiors recognised his abilities as a sharp shooter and, on April 16, 1917, he was promoted to Lance Corporal.
[2] Capt R.H. Tait provided the following details about John Shiwak's death in a letter written on February 12, 1918 : "I was present on the morning of Nov. 21st when the above NCO was killed.
His loss was keenly felt by the whole Regiment as he was a great favourite with all ranks, an excellent scout and observer, and a thoroughly good and reliable fellow in every way.