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James Bartleman was inspiring as the M.C.
Chief LaForme welcomed us to the territory of the Mississauga’s of the New Credit
Elder Gary Sault gave a moving opening prayer as he joined his Little Eagles Feather, Mississauga’s of the New Credit Youth Drum Group
National Chief Shawn Atleo gave eloquent opening comments
Aboriginal Historian Al Corbiere told the story of the War of 1812 legend Chief Niibaakhorm
The amazing Rick Hill presented the Haudenosaunee Oral Tradition: Wampum Belts associated with the War of 1812
The 4 drum groups from the home territory, Treaty 3, NAN and Manitoulin did a moving round of drum songs
then Stacy LaForme of the Mississauga’s of New Credit read his War of 1812 Poem
Faces and Voices From our Past
I remember, I see, I hear, I remember
To us it was a battle, a fight our people lost
It is a significant part of our history
And played a strong role in the birth of this nation
Yet the people who fought this battle have no face
And the loved ones left behind, have no voice
And if this is the way of war, it is the wrong way
These people lived and breathed
Fought and died, had lives and hopes, dreams and families
Yet their deeds are relegated to dusty books and rusted artefacts
God yes remember these accomplishments, thank them in prayer for their deeds
But always remember they are not faceless, there are not a nameless part of our
past
History must no deny them their individuality
Every person who went to war
And every person left behind to mourn
Was an individual who played a part in who we are
So see their faces, remember their pain, hear their words, their cries
For you cannot thank a people for what they accomplished
If you cannot see their face, if you cannot hear their voice
I remember, I see, I hear, I remember
followed by the Grand River Highlanders playing Scots Wha Hae
Grand Chief Percy Joe, Shackan Indian Band, gave greeting from the First Nations Veterans of Canada
Then the amazing Sierra MacDonald of the Six Nations of the Grand River accompanied by the Grand River Highlanders piped Amazing Grace beautifully…
The ceremony closed with the Traditional Drum: Honour Song…
Peter and I felt truly honoured to be part of this ceremony, to have learned so much that all Canadians need to know….
On the back of the programme the poignant quote of Ontario Regional Chief, Stan Beardy
“The sacrifics we made in the past will only be recognized when we – as First Nations – are finally treated as full and equal partners.”
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