Harper Government Supports War of 1812 Commemoration in Mississauga
MISSISSAUGA, August 14, 2012 - An investment from the Government of Canada will enhance Mississaugans’ knowledge of the War of 1812 and provide the opportunity to participate in commemorative activities. Funding to the Streetsville Founders' Bread & Honey Festival was announced today by Brad Butt, Member of Parliament (Mississauga–Streetsville), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
On September 15 and 16, up to 50,000 residents of the region are expected to take part in a special War of 1812 event organized by the Streetsville Founders’ Bread & Honey Festival. The event will showcase the role played by settlers and local First Nations during the War through a military re-enactment. As well, six interpretive panels featuring the contribution of early settlers who participated in the War will be created by local historical societies and placed at cemeteries in the area.
“The War of 1812 saw British troops, Canadian militia, and First Nations and Métis allies join together to defend our borders. They fought for Canada and repelled the American invasion,” said Minister Moore. “Without their bravery, the country we know today would not exist.”
“Thanks to this investment, we will have the chance to see and experience what it was like for our ancestors during the War,” said Mr. Butt. “This is a great way for our community to celebrate its heritage and commemorate an important aspect of our collective past. I invite all Mississaugans and everyone visiting our region to attend this War of 1812 event.”
“Thanks to this investment, this event will demonstrate, through commemorative activities and battle re-enactments, how the early settlers of Mississauga and the Natives of the Credit River (allies of the British crown) played a critical role in the War of 1812,” said Duncan Willock, Chair of the Mississauga on the Warpath 1812 Committee of the Streetsville Founders’ Bread & Honey Festival. “This project will provide an opportunity for residents of Mississauga and visitors to witness the dire circumstances in which Canada was formed and will instil a sense of pride and identity for future generations of Canadians.”
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $65,400 through Canadian Heritage’s War of 1812 Commemoration Fund. The Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding of the importance of this conflict.
Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca