VANCOUVER, Oct. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today celebrated a new Heritage Minute by viewing it with a group of students from Stratford Hall. The episode is about Richard Pierpoint, a private who served in the "Coloured Corps," a small all-Black company that fought alongside the British during the War of 1812.
The Historica-Dominion Institute's new Heritage Minute is part of its War of 1812 Bicentennial Education Campaign, which is intended to enhance Canadians' knowledge of this important part of our country's history. A national essay and art challenge will also be part of the Campaign.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Canada would not exist had the American invasion from 1812-15 not been repelled, and for that reason, the War of 1812 is a defining chapter in our history. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today."
"We are grateful to the Government of Canada for the opportunity to release the first new Heritage Minutes in almost a decade on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812," said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President of The Historica-Dominion Institute. "We feel that the Minutes truly are 'a part of our heritage,' and we hope that Canadians will embrace this new chapter in the collection with the same enthusiasm as they have the many classics from the last 20 years."
Last March, Minister Moore announced that the Harper Government was providing funding of $719,235 to the Historica-Dominion Institute for its War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration Education Campaign, through Canadian Heritage's Canadian Studies Program. This program encourages Canadians to learn about Canada's history, civic life and public policy.
Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
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819-997-7788
Media Relations
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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