Harper Government Invests in War of 1812 Documentary Film
TORONTO, October 11, 2012 - An investment from the Harper Government will help Canadians enhance their knowledge of the role of African Canadians during the War of 1812. Funding for Black Pioneer Productions was announced today by Corneliu Chisu, Member of Parliament (Pickering–Scarborough East), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
This funding will support the creation of a documentary film, with archival material, narration and music, on the story of African-Canadian involvement in the War of 1812, particularly at the Battle of Queenston Heights. Film screenings will be organized across Canada and it will be posted on the Harriet Tubman Centre’s African-Canadian Resource Website for Teachers. A shorter version of the film will be prepared for schools with accompanying multimedia learning tools.
“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.”
“African Canadians played an important role in shaping our nation as we know it today,” said Mr. Chisu. “Thanks to the Government of Canada’s investment in Black Pioneer Productions, Canadians across the country will learn the story of African Canadians and their contribution to the War of 1812.”
“When the War of 1812 began, people of African descent who had made their homes in Canada feared an American invasion. In efforts to maintain their freedom, many joined the militia while others organized their own militia company,” said Diana Braithwaite, award-winning blues singer–songwriter and producer of Black Pioneer Productions. “The documentary film Queenston Soldiers tells the lesser-known story of the important contribution made by African-Canadian soldiers during the War of 1812. We are extremely thankful to the Government of Canada for their support in making it possible for this important Canadian story to be told.”
Black Pioneer Productions produces historical, creative, educational, and entertaining documentary films and other creative multimedia works on the stories and lives of African-Canadian pioneers and settlers who lived in various communities and settlements across Canada.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $73,000 through Canadian Heritage’s 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