NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Nov. 2, 2024
/CNW/ - Today, Parks Canada commemorated the national historic
significance of Teyoninhokarawen (John
Norton) at a special plaque unveiling ceremony at Queenston
Heights Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake,
Ontario. The commemoration ceremony was held by Parks Canada
in collaboration with Niagara Parks Commission during the annual
Valour and Victory: Honouring Indigenous Veterans event at
Queenston Heights Park.
Born on December 16, 1770, to a
Scottish mother and an Ani-Yunwiya (Cherokee) father,
Teyoninhokarawen (John Norton) was a
great political and military leader, interpreter, and author
before, during, and after the War of 1812. As an interpreter for
the Indian Department at Niagara, Upper
Canada, in the 1790s, Norton met and impressed the renowned
Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) chief Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant). Thayendanegea's mentorship led
Norton to join the Grand River Kanien'kehá:ka, where he was adopted
as his nephew and successor. As an emissary, Norton journeyed to
London, England, to convince the
Privy Council to support Haudenosaunee land rights, in opposition
to the Indian Department.
During the War of 1812, Norton's leadership and military acumen
was crucial, convincing many First Nations communities and their
warriors to ally with the British in key battles, contributing to
victories at the Battles of Queenston Heights, Stoney Creek, Chippawa and Lundy's Lane. His
success as a leader of Indigenous forces helped to counter American
advances and solidify British positions.
Norton also left a rich literary legacy, including a translation
of the Gospels of St. John and St.
Matthew into Kanien'kéha (the Mohawk language) and journals which
provide a rare record of the times and a Haudenosaunee perspective
on the war. His work served as a bridge between cultures. As a
leader, he played a crucial role in the military and diplomatic
arenas in the late 18th and early
19th centuries.
The Government of Canada,
through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of
Canada, recognizes significant
people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of
helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories
with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on
the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of
Canada's past and present.
The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of
Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations.
To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community,
please visit the Parks Canada website for more information:
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc/ncp-pcn/application.
Quote
"Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I am honoured to commemorate
Teyoninhokarawen (John Norton) as a
person of national historic significance. Teyoninhokarawen played a
crucial role in leading Indigenous warriors alongside the British
in the War of 1812. His background gave him unique perspective into
Haudenosaunee life and struggles during the early 19th
century, his accounts of which we are still learning from today.
Historic designations like these, highlight the efforts of
Indigenous peoples whose contributions and sacrifices played a key
role in shaping Canada's past,
present and future."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault,
Minister of
Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks
Canada
Quick Facts
- Teyoninhokarawen (John Norton)
was designated a national historic person in 2011.
- John Norton was given the name
Teyoninhokarawen ("It keeps the door open") by chiefs of his
Kanien'kehá:ka clan, a rank conferring him with the powers of
emissary in diplomatic affairs and chieftain in war.
- The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating Teyoninhokarawen
(John Norton) will be unveiled in
Queenston, which is the
traditional territory of First Nations including the Haudenosaunee
and the Anishinaabeg. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada
Treaties and is within the lands protected by the Dish with One
Spoon Wampum agreement.
- Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of
Canada advises the Minister of
Environment and Climate Change regarding the national significance
of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada's history. To date, more than 2,260
designations have been made nationwide.
- Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of
national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada's
National Program of Historical Commemoration and these important
stories are shared with Canadians.
- Parks Canada is committed to
working with Canadians in our efforts to tell broader, more
inclusive stories in the places that it manages. In support of this
goal, the Framework for History and Commemoration outlines a
comprehensive, and engaging approach to sharing Canada's history through diverse perspectives,
including shedding light on tragic and difficult periods of
Canada's past.
Related Document
Backgrounder: Teyoninhokarawen (John
Norton)
Related Links
Parks Canada
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)