Alex Decoteau
Alex Decoteau (1912) | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Cree Canadian |
| Born | November 19, 1887 Red Pheasant First Nation, District of Saskatchewan |
| Died | October 30, 1917 (aged 29) Passchendaele salient, Belgium |
| Resting place | Passchendaele New British Cemetery |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 160 lb (73 kg) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Track and field |
| Updated on 7 May 2017 | |
Alexander Wuttunee Decoteau (November 19, 1887 – October 30, 1917), was a Cree Canadian track and field athlete, police officer and soldier. A member of the Red Pheasant First Nation, he joined the Edmonton Police in 1911 becoming the first Indigenous police officer in Canada. Decoteau was known for his athletic ability and his achievements in running. A holder of numerous long-distance records in Western Canada, he represented Canada in the 5,000 meters event at the 1912 Summer Olympics. Decoteau joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in April 1915 and died on October 30, 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele.