As a Canada 150 collaborative project, the Friends of Laura Secord are constructing a First Nations Peace Monument at DeCew House Heritage Park in Thorold, Ontario to generate a deeper understanding of the important role that First Nations peoples played in the founding of Canada and the importance of reconciliation with our First Nations brothers and sisters of today.
A Shovel in the Ground Event that marks the construction of the accessible path to the monument will be held August 24th at 12:15 pm. This barrier-free path enabled in part by The Rick Hansen Access4All funds will provide those in wheelchair/scooters easier access to the structure as well as the opportunity to experience other peaceful and scenic attributes of the site. It is intended to recognize that people with disabilities have the right to experience and engage with our nation’s history at the same level as their peers.
About the First Nations Peace Monument
Designed pro bono by world-renowned and celebrated Siksika Blackfoot architect and First Nations activist and architect, Douglas Cardinal, the limestone monument will embody traditional historic narratives and symbolism juxtaposed with contemporary modern architectural design and state of the art digital interpretation.
The monument will stand close to the actual site that Canadian heroine Laura Secord first encountered First Nations warriors in DeCew’s Field as they escorted her the final kilometer of her courageous trek to DeCew House to warn the British forces of an impending American invasion.
The official unveiling ceremony for the First Nations Peace Monument is planned for October 7th, the anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 issued by King George III which set out the core elements of the relationship between First Nations and the Crown and established the recognition of First Nations rights in Canada. Thanksgiving is the basis of the Haudenosaunee culture, making the date of further significance.
WHO: Friends of Laura Secord
WHAT: Shovel in the Ground Event
WHERE: DeCew House Heritage Park, 2350 DeCew Rd, Thorold, ON L0S 1E6
WHEN: Thursday August 24, 2017 12:15 pm
About The Friends of Laura Secord
The Friends of Laura Secord is a diverse and multifaceted community group with the primary goal of preserving, strengthening and perpetuating the Secord legacy so it can continue to inspire and educate future generations about the many heroes, both famous and unsung who helped to define this country.
About The Rick Hansen Foundation Access4All
With funding support from the Government of Canada, the Rick Hansen Foundation has granted over $1.5 million to schools and community groups to help Canadians activate 55 large-scale “Barrier Buster” infrastructure improvement projects and awareness building events in their communities.
Access4All breaks down barriers in communities from coast to coast and creates real and lasting impact for Canadians with disabilities.
