CALEDONIA, ON, Aug. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment by the Government of Canada will encourage people in the Niagara Peninsula to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Support for the Knights of Columbus Council 9300 was announced today by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Member of Parliament (Haldimand-Norfolk), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
This funding will go toward a one-day event for students and adults in the communities of Haldimand, Six Nations, Brant, and Norfolk. It will feature re-enactments and 1812 displays from local museums, as well as one from the Western Corridor Committee that will highlight the area's 1812 history. The investment will also support educational materials that will be distributed during the event. Approximately 4,400 people are expected to attend.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. 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."
"The War of 1812 paved the way to Confederation in 1867 and played a critical role in creating the country we cherish today," said Minister Finley. "We are pleased to support this project that will encourage Canadians, especially young people, to learn more about this important chapter for our country."
"HMS Caledonia was small ship that helped lead the British Army, Canadian militiamen and First Nations to their first victory at Michilimackinac. Thanks to the generous support of the Government of Canada, students of Caledonia and area will be able to experience the role played by these people in this battle and in defending the Canada that we know today," said Alex Komarniski, Co-Chairman, Building Bridges to Peace 1812-2012. "Our event has been the culmination of work by many individuals, local organizations, and institutions as we plan to use this event as a launching pad for further sharing and interaction with our First Nations and local communities."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $18,500 through the 1812 Commemoration Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. 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.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
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
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
Share this article