Tall Ships Brockville - June 14 - 16, 2013

It was with excitement that we went down to see these tall ships.

@tallshipsfleet #tallships1812

We chose to board to of them: the large Peacemaker and the smaller Mist of Avalon, as a comparison.

These ships have been brought in from home ports around the world. They were an amazing sight in Brockville's harbour. These tall ships changed the nature of Canada, as colonists came from away, bringing disease; trading furs for money, liquor or other goods; and bringing pioneer settlers who invaded the land.

Pioneer life was difficult for women

The trading posts must have been interesting places to visit.

My grandmother spoke of her family settling in remote country in Quebec, with native people who would bring the children home when they were lost, wandering in the woods. It was not all conflict and many built good lives in a new land, aided by First Nations.

Of course, the 1812 celebrations were about the soldiers. Many of whom settled on Lanark County land after the 1816 demobilisation.

Metal worker and his forge

The harbour was full of many examples of the tools that life in 1812 would have required.

soldiers' tent city

The tents for the soldiers were quite interesting. We attended on Saturday, June 15th, and today, Sunday it is pouring rain. It will smack of a difficult life in the wilderness for those hardy souls who venture to the harbour.

Hot wool uniforms!

Playing spoons!

 Having taught much history and social studies from grade 1 to grade 8, I know the text books leave out much of the reality of those were were here first, and those who chose to exploit the land and its peoples. (I am happy that the Algonquin AIP is, at least, making progress.)

It was in 1603 the Samuel de Champlain first sailed the Ottawa River, with help from Native Peoples. They brought disease. They took land.

A framed print I have owned since 1995
–artist: Johannes Boots

 It is shameful that it was in 1772 that they first petitioned the Crown, via the Governor of the time, to set up Aboriginal Title Rights. Unfortunately, each Governor would travel back to England, having been replaced, and they would begin anew. A shameful part of our history when colonialists exploited the people and its land and resources.

We saw some people getting dressed in Regalia as we left, but by this point the crowds were building and we were tired! We'd arrived by 9:00 to get a parking spot. It was quite a bit of walking for those with bad backs! This was the only sign of First Nations that I saw.

 My previous post features a slide show of the harbour sights. It was quite the event.