Area representative to attend recognition ceremony at Rideau Hall
Thursday, October 25, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
BATCHEWANA
FIRST NATION
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Batchewana First Nation leadership attends National Recognition Ceremony
On behalf of Batchewana First Nation, Chief Dean Sayers will be attending the National Recognition Ceremony to honour and commemorate the contribution and sacrifice of First Nations during the War of 1812.
The Ceremony hosted by Canada’s National Defence and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada will be held at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa today (October 25, 2012) at 10 a.m.
During the event, His Excellency, the Governor General of Canada will be presenting a commemorative banner and medal to the representatives of First Nations with an heritage linked to the War of 1812.
The event is reminiscent of when the war of 1812 was ended by peace being made between the two countries England and the United States, First Nations participants were assembled in council by the then commandant of Mackinah who in the name of the King of England thanked them for the assistance they had given him in the war.
Batchewana First Nation Heritage reflects the contributions of Chief Wabechechake of the crane clan of the Ojibway of Bawahting.
He was father of Nebenaigoching and served under the Alliance Agreement with the British.
Wabechechake and was killed in the 1813 battle at Fort George.
The brave contributions and sacrifice of First Nations warriors like Wabechechake will be fondly remembered in the hearts and minds of Batchewana First Nation membership and leadership during the commemoration ceremony.
Chief Dean Sayers commented: “ I’m honored to participate in this ceremony to show respect for the hero’s who came before us, and encourage acts of bravery put forward by our people everyday. This is a time to reflect on a historic alliance that demonstrated a proper working relationship. It was the Ojibway who determined in Council to take part with the English Red Coat, who together ended a war bringing peace to two countries. We hope that Canada will recognize what opportunities exist when working positively in collaboration with First Nations, and understand that if they don’t soon find proper interpretation of the treaties, the honour of the crown is at stake.”
Batchewana First Nation will host a Remembrance Day Ceremony on Sunday November 11, 2012 to give recognition of those who have fought so hard to protect the freedoms and rights of all First Nations.
The Ceremony will be held at the new Vetrans Park on Bahwating Street on the Rankin Reserve.
The Sacred Fire will be lit at 9am followed by a Drum Calling Song.
The day will include a pipe ceremony, moment of silence, military salute, light lunch, and several songs from the drum.
The day will also give thanks to the bear clan who ensures the needs of the community are looked after.
Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony with Batchewana First Nation.
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