Niagara Indigenous Heritage Trail

First Nations Peace Monument



Phase 1 of the monument, as it appeared at its official unveiling on October 7th, 2017. A temporary centrepiece used for a traditional Haudenosaunee smudging ceremony occupied the centre of the monument.
 


 


 


 


Indigenous Significance

“For centuries Native peoples have been marginalized and erased from our history. However, as we enter what appears to be a new era offering opportunities for genuine acknowledgment and reconciliation among those who contributed to Canada’s inception, defence, culture, national character, and wealth, I felt compelled to become involved in this project.” - Douglas Cardinal

October 7th, 2017 marked the opening ceremonies for Phase 1 of the First Nations Peace Monument at Decew House Heritage Park in Thorold, Ontario. It is a beautifully crafted and enduring work by celebrated Canadian architect and human rights activist of Siksaka (Blackfoot) heritage, Douglas Cardinal, a graceful curvilinear architectural sculpture exquisitely rendered in solid limestone by Ottawa-based heritage stone-carvers Smith and Barber.

 
 




Indigenous elder and educator Rick Hill addressed the crowd at the opening ceremony.
 


Douglas Cardinal is celebrated globally not only for his highly innovative architectural vision, but also for his role as a human rights activist and Indigenous role model.
 


Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was the vice-regal representative present at the opening ceremony.
 


 

 


The First Nations Peace Monument is chronicled on the website of the Friends of Laura Secord:

 


Niagara Indigenous Heritage Trail
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