first nations

5 articles

Oct15

2016What is the first permanent public art monument in Canada to honour survivors of sexual violence?

In Renfrew County, Ontario, the Countdown Public Art Project became Canada's first permanent public monument to honour survivors of sexual violence. Initiated by the Women's Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County and led by Toronto’s Red Dress Productions, this groundbreaking effort brought together artists, survivors, and local communities to design and build four linked pebble mosaic monuments. The main anchor monument in Eganville and its three "sister" monuments in Pembroke, Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, and Killaloe were unveiled in October 2016, involving the hands-on work of over 250 community members who set five tons of stone, pebble by pebble. This collaborative and deeply meaningful process not only created a lasting symbol of solidarity and healing but also marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history for public recognition and support of survivors.

Dec6

1917What was the largest man-made explosion prior to the Atomic Bomb being unleashed on Hiroshima?

On the morning of December 6, 1917, Halifax, Nova Scotia, became the site of the largest man-made explosion before the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. A collision in the harbour between the French munitions ship S.S. Mont-Blanc and the Belgian relief vessel S.S. Imo led to a blast that killed over a thousand people instantly and injured thousands more, with devastation spanning both Halifax and its twin city, Dartmouth. The explosion’s force, equivalent to 2,600 tonnes of TNT, blew part of Mont-Blanc’s anchor shaft more than 2.35 miles and was heard as far away as Prince Edward Island, 200 miles distant. Halifax’s rebuilt Hydrostone neighborhood and the annual 50-foot Christmas tree sent to Boston stand today as powerful reminders of this tragedy and the resilience of its survivors.

Mar9

1889Which highly decorated Canadian Indigenous soldier is regarded as the most effective sniper of the First World War?

Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwa from the Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound, Ontario, is recognized as the most effective sniper of the First World War and one of Canada’s most highly decorated Indigenous soldiers. Renowned for his exceptional marksmanship and bravery, Pegahmagabow is credited with 378 confirmed kills and the capture of 300 enemy soldiers—an unparalleled record among Allied forces. Despite being wounded twice and awarded the Military Medal with two bars for acts of heroism, he remained a humble figure, later dedicating his life to Indigenous rights and leadership. His remarkable legacy is honoured today across Canada, including a memorial cairn built from Parry Island river rocks and the naming of a Canadian Ranger building in his memory.

Mar29

1778Who is reputedly the first European to set foot in British Columbia, Canada?

Captain James Cook, the famed British explorer and navigator, became the first known European to set foot in what is now British Columbia when he anchored at Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island on 29 March 1778. His arrival marked a significant turning point in the region’s history, initiating direct contact between European explorers and the Indigenous peoples who had called the Pacific coast home for thousands of years. Cook’s visit is particularly notable because, despite prior Spanish voyages, he was the first to accurately map the northwest coastline and interact extensively with local First Nations communities. On the 248th anniversary of this event, Cook’s legacy is both commemorated and critically examined, especially in light of recent actions highlighting the enduring impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.

Sep13

1775Who is the first woman to be recognized with a memorial erected by the Government of Canada?

Laura Ingersoll Secord, known as Canada's "heroine of Beaver Dams," was the first woman to be formally recognized with a memorial erected by the Government of Canada in Queenston, Ontario. Her courageous 20-kilometre journey on June 22, 1813, through American-occupied territory to warn British forces changed the course of the War of 1812. The government contributed $2,000 for her memorial, a twelve-foot-high granite monument, and later honored her legacy with a special stamp marking the 200th anniversary of her daring action. Today, as we celebrate the 251st anniversary of her birth, Laura Secord's remarkable story continues to inspire Canadians nationwide.