Wednesday, March 17, 2010

1812 and community building

Next month the Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council will host a "Creating 1812" conference in Hamilton, Ont., -- -- "commemoration, national identity and role of the arts." Looks impressive.

Andrew Stewart [not "Smith" as I originally wrote], chair of the Fort York Foundation in Toronto, who drew this to my attention, notes:
I think it's interesting how cities are learning to combine heritage and the arts - and not just heritage generally but specifically the War of 1812, which might be considered difficult and obscure, but is a seminal event in southern Ontario's history. Also interesting and encouraging that First Nations (specifically the Six Nations) are part of this effort given their important role in the war. The idea of commemorating the bicentennial is leading to renewal of historic alliances between First Nations and other Canadians -- at least on the creative and arts front.
 
Follow @CmedMoore