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Rousseau tells the full story (20 Passport to Unity photos)

Passport to Unity, presented annually by the Sault Community Career Centre, was another massive success this year as the third and final day of the newly expanded event saw cultural foodies flock to the Essar Centre Sunday afternoon.

Passport to Unity, presented annually by the Sault Community Career Centre, was another massive success this year as the third and final day of the newly expanded event saw cultural foodies flock to the Essar Centre Sunday afternoon.

Tasty offerings from across the globe, including sushi from Japan, perogies from the Ukraine, natas from Portugal, pupusas from Latin America, and pirukad from Estonia, aptly complimented the variety of cultural entertainment presented throughout the event, such as the Metis Dance Club youth dance troupe (shown).

A vast array of arts and culture vendors were also on-site offering everything from photography services to healing message, fine jewelry to local festival information, henna body paint to children's crafts.

One of the largest and most interesting displays was from Algoma 1812 and the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site.

There, SooToday.com found Sandra Rousseau whose recently self-published book, American Attempt to Take Canada: War of 1812-1814, explains the war as it applied to Sault Ste. Marie, St. Joseph Island and Mackinac Island.

Always a history buff with a strong background in research and writing, Rousseau was actually planning on writing a different historical piece initially.

When she reached the War of 1812 era, she realized the importance of sharing the local history and telling the full story.

"I had four ancestors who were in that war between Mackinac Island and St. Joseph Island. Because of that, I already knew a lot of this story," Rousseau told us. "I discovered that most people only know the short version - that we went over to Mackinac Island and took the island without firing a shot. But they don't know we actually had to move there and stay for three years to hold the fort. Also, we had to fight off 1,500 Americans who wanted the fort back, and we only had 295 men who were successful in beating them."

Anyone interested in reading more about this fascinating historical event is encouraged to pick up a copy of Rousseau's book currently available at Coles, the Art Gallery of Algoma and the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie and District.


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Donna Hopper

About the Author: Donna Hopper

Donna Hopper has been a photojournalist with SooToday since 2007, and her passion for music motivates her to focus on area arts, entertainment and community events.
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