October 25, 2012,
Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Canada Chippewas of Georgina Island. His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presided over the War of 1812 Recognition Ceremony for National 48 First Nations and Métis Communities heritage with a link to the War of 1812, on Thursday, October 25, 2012, in the Rideau Hall Ballroom. On this occasion, His Excellency the Right Honourable Accompanied by Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, this community each Stock with a Commemorative medal and War of 1812 banner. Credit: MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall-OSGG OSGG

“Andrew Big Canoe asked me to join him to attend a meeting regarding research for the native participation in the war of 1812 about a year and a half ago. There were representatives from Rama, Christian island and Georgina island since then we meet twice a month and we have researched the names from each First Nation and the overall participation First Nations had in the war. It was amazing to all of us the important role they had in the war and none of it really made any of the history books written on the war, there was a few lines in each book but nothing significant. We are trying to put a book together with all of our research and try to put it into the school curriculum so that's everyone can learn about the important role the First Nations played in the war. So the day Andy and I accepted the medal and flag from the prime minister and Governor General on behalf of Georgina Island validated the contribution which was a proud and gratifying moment. " Suzanne Howes