Deep Dive: Cree Code Talker (2016)
Film Lens

CREE CODE TALKER focuses on Charles 'Checker' Tomkins, a Cree code talker who served in the Second World War. The film examines his role with the US Air Force and the development of a communication system that utilized the Cree language to transmit military messages securely. By accessing US archives, the documentary presents a detailed account of how this language served as a secret weapon in combat.
The film emphasizes the significance of Indigenous contributions to the war effort and the unique use of the Cree language in military operations. It shows the importance of language as a tool for communication and secrecy, showcasing how a native Canadian language played a crucial role in the success of military missions during World War II.
Why Watch
- •Meet Charles 'Checker' Tomkins, a Cree war veteran.
- •Find out how Cree language served as a military code.
- •See rare US archival footage from World War II.
Did You Know
•Charles 'Checker' Tomkins was a Canadian Cree code talker in WWII.
•The film has a runtime of 14 minutes.
•Cree language was used to transmit crucial military communications.
Perfect For
Indigenous historyWorld War II enthusiastsMilitary communication