Ottawa, Ontario, March 22, 2012 — The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the designation of 13 new national historic sites, persons, and events that recognize the place of Aboriginal history in the story of Canada.
“Today’s designations will bring to life the spiritual, cultural, and physical ties that First Nations have to this country, for both Canadians and visitors to Canada,” said Minister Kent. “They will give future generations an understanding of moments in time that span the centuries.”
The new designations will be included in Canada’s system of national historic sites, persons and events, on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC). The designations include John Norton (Teyoninhokarawen), the celebrated war of 1812 hero from Ontario. As well, they include aboriginal leaders Chief Kw’eh of Fort St. James, British Columbia and Théophile Panadis of Odanak, Québec. The cultural traditions of British Columbia’s Nlaka’pamux (basket-making), the Coast Salish (Cowichan Sweaters), as well as those of Québec’s Abenakis (basket-making) are similarily honoured. The designations also recognize the long-lasting impact of events such as the displacement of the Anishinaabeg of Southern Georgian Bay, Ontario, the Moravian missions amongst the Inuit of Labrador, aboriginal military service in the First World War, and the tradition of the “Distribution of the King’s Presents.” Places of cultural significance to Canada’s aboriginal peoples such as Beausoleil Island (Georgian Bay, Ontario), Wolastoq (New Brunswick) are also part of this year’s designations.
“In Canada, Aboriginal communities are part of our history and our future,” said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, John Duncan. “Today’s announcement serves to better tie these significant aboriginal places, people, and events to our shared heritage.”
Established in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
National Historic Designations Aboriginal Peoples
