Commemorative War of 1812 Banner and Medal for First Nation and Métis Communities

During the ceremony, commemorative medals and banners were presented to representatives of the following 48 First Nations and Métis communities to honour the sacrifice and accomplishments of their ancestors who fought so bravely to defend Canada 200 years ago:

1. Abénakis d’Odenak 
2. Algonquins of Pikwakanagan         
3. Atikameksheng Anishwawbek       
4. Aundeck-Omni-Kaning First Nation           
5. Batchewana First Nation of Ojibway          
6. Beausoleil First Nation        
7. Birdtail Sioux First Nation   
8. Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation)
9. Caldwell First Nation           
10. Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation           
11. Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point        
12. Chippewas of Nawash First Nation           
13. Chippewas of Rama First Nation   
14. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation     
15. Dakota Plains First Nation  
16. Dakota Tipi First Nation      
17. Garden River First Nation   
18. Georgina Island First Nation           
19. Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg     
20. Manitoba Métis Federation
21. M'Chigeeng First Nation     
22. Métis Nation - Saskatchewan         
23. Métis Nation of Ontario       
24. Mississaugas of the New Credit    
25. Mohawk Council of Kahnawake     
26. Mohawk Council of Kanesatake    
27. Mohawk Council of Akwesasne     
28. Mohawk of the Bay of Quinte          
29. Moravian of the Thames First Nation         
30. Munsee-Delaware Nation   
31. Nation huronne-wendat       
32. Nation Métis Québec           
33. Oneida Nation of the Thames         
34. Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation         
35. Saugeen First Nation          
36. Serpent River First Nation  
37. Sheguiandah First Nation   
38. Sheshegwaning First Nation          
39. Sioux Valley Dakota Nation
40. Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council   
41. Haudenosaunee Confederacy       
42. Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation     
43. Thessalon First Nation        
44. Wahpeton Dakota Nation   
45. Whitecap Dakota First Nation        
46. Whitefish River First Nation
47. Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve   
48. Zhiibaahaasing First Nation          

The Government of Canada and the Canadian Heraldic Authority collaborated on the design of the banner and the medal. The banner design is based on the red and white of the Canadian Flag, with the anchor, crossed swords, and war hatchets symbolizing that fighting in the service of the Crown took place on land, at sea, and on the Great Lakes in concert with Aboriginal allies. The medal design has an effigy of Her Majesty The Queen on one side, and the image from the commemorative banner on the reverse. The medals, which were produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, are made of silver and measure 7.5 cm in diameter. Usage of the Queen's effigy and the design of the medal itself was approved by Buckingham Palace.

In Canada, the War of 1812 was fought on three main fronts: in the Western Great Lakes, the Niagara and the St. Lawrence regions. In each region, First Nations warriors helped repel the invading American forces. During the War, more than 10,000 First Nations and Métis warriors from the Great Lakes region and the St. Lawrence Valley participated in nearly every major battle, including Fort Mackinac, Detroit, the battles of Fort George, Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams, Crysler’s Farm and Lundy’s Lane. According to several British commanders, these important battles were won in large part because of the participation of their Aboriginal allies.

 Commemorative War of 1812 Medal for Aboriginal Canadians

Canadian Forces War of 1812 Commemorative Banner

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