On Monday, October 5, 2015, Walpole Island First Nation is celebrating the installation of a statue of Tecumseh on top of their Veterans’ monument.
Chief Dan Miskokomon of Bkejwanong First Nation commented on this celebration as the culmination of our Veterans wishes.
“Our story of Tecumseh’s remains states that after his fall in the Battle of the Thames, his final resting place was on Walpole Island. After his remains were made public in the 1930’s, our Veterans raised funds to construct a cairn for Tecumseh’s remains. However, the Walpole Island Soldiers’ Club had also planned a statue that was never completed. It has been 80 years since the Walpole Island Soldiers’ Club first conceived of the monument and statue, and I am happy to see their wishes come to fruition.”
Walpole Island First Nation will be holding a celebration to unveil this statue.
Many tribes, First Nations leaders and veterans groups have been invited to attend this unveiling.
Our National Chief Perry Bellegarde said:
“Today, I stand proud and grateful in honour of Tecumseh, who fought for respect, protection and recognition for his people. He is esteemed by First Nations to this day as one of our greatest leaders. He will always be remembered as an important, historic figure in this country. His efforts and spirit will never be forgotten and will be forever celebrated by all of us. I thank the citizens of Walpole Island First Nation for hosting and celebrating this special event.”
In the spirit of this great warrior, and the ultimate resting place of this hero and statesman, the community invites honoured guests and veterans along with the general public to this event.
Tecumseh has many words of wisdom that he has shared. We, as a First Nation try to live by these words of wisdom:
“Love your life, perfect your life,
and beautify all things in your life.
seek to make your life long and its
purpose in the service of your people.”
Without the leadership of Tecumseh, Canada would be a very different country today.
Georgina Toulouse Bebamikawe, a First Nation sculptor from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve in northern Ontario was commissioned to design the Tecumseh Statue and will be attending the event to share her story of creating the statue.
A sunrise ceremony will start the day’s events. The unveiling ceremony will commence at 10 a.m.
A community feast hosted by the Walpole Island Heritage Centre will follow.
The Walpole Island Heritage Centre will also be hosting its annual Open House that day commencing at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. with guest speakers, displays, information booths, local vendors, and door prizes.
The Centre wants to welcome all to come and celebrate this milestone.
