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WEDNESDAY, October 31, 2012
TEKAWENNAKE
Exhibit explores defining period in Haudenosaunee history By Stephanie Dearing BRANTFORD
The threat of bad weather brought to the area by Hurricane Sandy could not keep people away from the opening of the War Clubs and Wampum Belts exhibit at the Woodland Cultural Centre Monday evening. About 60 people braved the winds and rain to attend what Woodland Director Janis Monture called “a historic moment, because for the first time, people will hear about the War of 1812 from the Haudenosaunee side.” Guest curator of the new exhibit, Six Nations historian Rick Hill, said he had three key ideas in mind when he put together the exhibit. The first was to portray the dilemma the Haudenosaunee faced when asked to participate in the war. They had to
choose who to support, not just in what is now Canada, but also in the United States. “Our people were caught in the middle,” said Hill. The next section of the exhibit conveyed a sense of the experiences people underwent as they participated in the war. The last section of the exhibit, said Hill, explores the ongoing legacy of the War of 1812. Still basking in the pleasant glow following last week’s acknowledgement of Haudenosaunee contributions during the War of 1812, Hill proudly brought out the banner made by the Canadian government for First Nations. “I never thought it would happen,” said Hill, reflecting on the meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General David Johnston on October 25. “I was stunned the Prime
Minister was thanking us,” Hill said. But he called the honouring event “staged,” because the Haudenosaunee were thanked for defending Canada. “We said very politely that Canada did not exist then.” Hill also spoke briefly about his experience at Queenston Heights where members of the public spontaneously showed their gratitude towards the Haudenosaunee. “I was truly stunned. There were about 20,000 people there ... They wanted to thank us,” he said. While the exhibit is about the Haudenosaunee experience of the War of 1812, “the exhibit also talks about making peace,” said Hill, who professed he is a pacifist who “comes from a long line of warriors.” Continued on page 12
Rick Hill and his daughter Olivia show off the t-shirts Hill designed for his exhibit on the War of 1812, now open at the Woodland Cultural Centre. Hill designed the t-shirts, which are available for purchase at the Centre. (Photograph by Stephanie Dearing).
National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week Variety Show
da; Adgen r live u Enjoy o nment show ai entert Laugh
Live Love
NOvember 15, 2012 7:00 ~ 9:00 pm Admission: $5.00 per/person
Contact:
New Directions Group for information 519-445-2947
Sanderson Centre Brantford
A mix of dance, drama , skits & dynamite singing Good clean family fun Tickets sold at the door on event night or purchase at the Sanderson Centre