War of 1812 National Recognition Ceremony

His Excellency presided over the War of 1812 National Recognition Ceremony for 48 First Nations and Métis communities with a heritage link to the War of 1812, in the Rideau Hall Ballroom.

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper also delivered a speech on the occasion.

In his welcoming remarks, the Governor General said: "The diverse Aboriginal warriors and British and French-speaking soldiers who fought alongside one another in the War of 1812 each had their own, unique reasons for uniting in battle. The point I wish to make is that not only was co-operation necessary, it was successful—thanks in no small part to the remarkable contributions of First Nations and Métis peoples."

Chief Isador Day, representative of the Serpent River First Nation spoke about the Covenant Chain.

Following the presentation of medals and banners, Former Chief Lorne Wadikata, of the Wahpeton Dakota First Nation, spoke about the King George III medal.

Mr. Rick Hill, of the Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council and Haudenosaunee Confederacy ended the ceremony by speaking of the 1815 William Claus Belt.

On the occasion of the War of 1812 National Recognition Ceremony, His Excellency, accompanied by the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, presented First Nations and Métis communities with a Commemorative War of 1812 medal and banner. In the photo, the Prime Minister and the Governor General are with Chief Sharon Stinson Henry and Myrna Watson, representatives of Chippewas of Rama First Nation.

Mr. Gary Lapinski, representative of the Métis Nation of Ontario, spoke on the importance of the War of 1812 to the Métis.