War of 1812 Commemorations launch

10/24/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Legion, Mohawk Branch 219 wish to invite all Kahnawa’kehró:non to the Kahnawà:ke Cenotaph on Friday, October 26th at 10am for the official launch of Commemorations for the Mohawk Warriors that changed history through their participation in the Battles during the War of 1812.

For the first time in 200 years the War Chiefs and Mohawk Warriors of Kahnawà:ke who fought in the battles of 1812 will be recognized with a series of commemoration activities planned throughout 2012–2013 entitled, Our Story, Our History, Our Voice.

“The war went on for three years, from 1812 to 1815, with battles in many locations and Kahnawà:ke played a major role in all of these battles,” said Chief Kenneth McComber. “The Battle of Chateauguay alone saw approximately seventy Warriors from town, including Chiefs and Officers, that participated and we have a list of their names which will be put on a monument to be located at the Cenotaph.”

The commemoration activities planned, which are being held separately from those of Canada, aim to educate Kahnawa’kehró:non, particularly the Youth, on the important role that Kahnawà:ke played in the battles that took place throughout the three year war and give recognition to our Warriors that they sorely deserve.

Though Canada is having separate activities, Kahnawà:ke has been invited to take part and Chiefs Kenneth McComber and Christine Zachary Deom will be in Ottawa tomorrow (Thursday, October 25th) to receive a special medal awarded by Canada, which will be unveiled to the Community on Friday. A special flag, ribbon shirt and beret will also be unveiled.

“If we didn’t fight these battles, I can tell you, Montreal would be a different place today,” said Chief McComber.