Harper Government Invests in War of 1812 Commemorations in Manitoba
WINNIPEG, December 18, 2012 - Canadians will have an opportunity to learn about the important contributions of the Métis during the War of 1812, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Funding for the Red River Métis 1812 Ad Hoc Committee was announced today by Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South Centre), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The Committee will develop and publish three books illustrating the role of the Métis during the War of 1812. A book for adults will focus on Métis soldiers. Two children’s books, for students in grades 5 and 6, will highlight the Corps of Canadian Voyageurs and the contributions of Elizabeth Bertrand Mitchell (known as the Métis Laura Secord). These publications will be distributed free of charge to schools in Western Canada and made available for 1812 events throughout the country, allowing the project to reach approximately 6,000 Canadians.
“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.”
“It took the combined efforts of English- and French-speaking militias as well as First Nations and Métis communities, together with British military forces, to succeed in defeating the American invasion,” said Ms. Bateman. “These books will help us understand the contributions of Métis communities during the War of 1812 and honour their stories, heroic efforts and lasting legacies.”
“We will be able to highlight the sometimes overlooked contributions of Métis people during the War of 1812,” said Grant Anderson, project manager for the Métis Historical Publications Committee. “How many people in this country are aware, for example, that a Métis woman was decorated by the British military in 1814? Her story is one of several which will be included in our new publications.”
The Red River Métis 1812 Ad Hoc Committee was established in 2012 to develop and publish three books that illustrate the contributions of the Métis during the War of 1812.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $49,392 to the Red River Métis 1812 Ad Hoc Committee 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