Featured Events
Thousands Commemorate the Bicentennial of the Battle of York on Saturday April 27, 2013 in Toronto
Thank you to the thousands of people who participated in the 200th anniversary of the Battle of York this past Saturday, April 27. The free downtown events honoured those who fought during this defining day in the history of Canada and Toronto.
Starting at 6 a.m., more than 200 people participated in the Sunrise Ceremony which took place at the Palais Royale patio and fire pit overlooking the shoreline. The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation led four First Nations, all descendants of warriors who fought in the Battle of York.
More than 800 people took part in the Walking in Their Footsteps historical tour. Starting close to where the disembarked Americans began their advance, the public was led by historical interpreters and stopped at several significant points, ending at Fort York National Historic Site.
His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, was on hand to present a new Regimental Colour to the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment in front of the Ontario Legislative Building at Queen's Park.
Shortly thereafter, the public crowded city streets to witness one of the largest military parades ever organized in Toronto. More than 1,500 sailors and soldiers from the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army marched from Queen’s Park to Fort York National Historic Site.
The day culminated with over 7,000 people taking part in the commemorative ceremonies held inside the walls of Fort York National Historic Site. After the Service of Remembrance there was the unveiling of a new plaque to honour the First Nations warriors who died in the Battle of York. Participants included a Canadian Armed Forces honour guard and military band, the Chaplain General of the Canadian Armed Forces, military re-enactment units in War of 1812 uniforms, and the chiefs and members of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, Beausoleil, Chippewas of Georgina Island and Chippewas of Rama First Nations, who are descendants of the warriors who fought in the famous battle. The ceremony also included a re-dedication of the 1934 commemorative plaques by representatives of the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 and the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire.
Below are photos that were taken at various points throughout the day. Thank you for Showing Them You Remember.
LFCA/SCFT - JTFC/FOIC's photostream
For more of the exciting events visit the Toronto Festival and Events listings for Bicentennial/War of 1812 Festival and Events Calendar.
War of 1812 Festival, Fort York National Historic Site
June 15-16 2013
Free Admission
Tour authentic War of 1812 encampments; discover period food, music and entertainment, shop Sutler's Row for historic and period-inspired merchandise, plus much more. See battle tactical demonstrations by some of the best re-enactment units in Canada.
Note: On Saturday, June 15 there will be an evening battle re-enactment at dusk on historic Garrison Common.
Indigenous Arts Festival, Fort York National Historic Site
June 20-22 2013
Free Admission
Join us for three days of traditional and contemporary indigenous arts & culture centered on National Aboriginal Day.
Featuring
The Honouring by Kahá:wi Dance Theatre – World Premiere!
The Road by the Centre for Indigenous Theatre – World Premiere!
Morningstar River
Métis Fiddler Quartet
Mississauga Portraits book launch by historian Donald B. Smith
Family friendly educational programs by the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation to mark the Strawberry Festival (National Aboriginal Day – June 21)