 |
The First Peace Ambassadors Parade |
 |
 |
Montréal, June 12, 2001 - June 21st, National Aboriginal Day: 1,200
CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN within this International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World proclaimed by the UN for 2001-2010 Montréal, June 21, 2001 - Within the program of activities of the Great Peace of Montréal, 1,200 fifth and sixth graders participated today in the First Peace Ambassadors parade in Old Montréal, the outcome of a unique cultural exchange between Native and Montréal-area schools. During a special and awe-inspiring ceremony, 60 children representing their respective schools left their messages for peace in a presentation box that will be forwarded to UNESCO. Wearing the masks and costumes that they prepared throughout the school year, the children paraded to place Royale where they were greeted by Mr. Robert Sauvé, Deputy Secretary General of Native Affairs, representing Mr. Guy Chevrette, Transport Minister and Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Montréal Mayor, Mr. Pierre Bourque, Senator Aurélien Gill, Mr. Ghislain Picard, regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations and Mr. Tiorahkwathe Gilbert, Council Chief of the Mohawk of Kahnawake, as well as numerous other guests. For Mr. André Dudemaine, co-president of the Corporation des fêtes de la Grande Paix de Montréal, "the First Peace Ambassadors parade is a very significant event given that it is held on June 21st, National Aboriginal Day, and that it commemorates in a very special and touching fashion, owing to the children's participation, a similar event which was held at the same location 300 years ago…" Indeed, on August 4, 1701, more than 39 representatives of Amerindian nations paraded in the streets of Old Montréal to ratify a historical treaty with the French. For Mrs. Francine Lelièvre, co-president of the Corporation des fêtes de la Grande Paix de Montréal, "children, who are our hopes for a better future, are the rightful heirs of the peace message to be forwarded to the coming generations, which fact is demonstrated by the UN having included the Great Peace of Montréal within this International Decade (2001-2010) for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World. She then added: "Pointe-à-Callière is especially proud to be associated with all these commemoration activities of the Great Peace of Montréal given that they are in keeping with the museum's mission to promote our heritage and our history." "The Government of Québec is pleased to be associated as a major partner in this parade of First Peace Ambassadors as well as in all other activities held to commemorate the Great Peace of Montréal. The children that are here today as a part of this unique cultural exchange program are an extraordinary inspiration to us all here present, and to all citizens of this planet," said Mr. Robert Sauvé, Deputy Secretary General of Native Affairs. "The commemoration of the signing of the Great Peace of Montréal is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the Government of Québec's resolve to showcase and promote Amerindian cultures and all of the artistic richness of Québec's First Nations," he added. Montréal Mayor Pierre Bourque wished to emphasize the event's international dimension: "the fact that the children's messages will be passed along to UNESCO adds new meaning to the parade; not only are we commemorating a historical and highly significant event for Montréal, but we are demonstrating, again today, our commitment to the principles of the peace of 1701 by promoting this event internationally." This colourful parade is the outcome of educational activities that will have allowed more than 600 First Nations school children to be paired off with as many children of Montréal-area schools. These native and Montréal-area schools participated throughout the year in a program of activities that allowed their students to familiarize themselves with 18th century Iroquoian, Algonquian and neo-French cultures. The participating native communities represent the Algonkin, Attikamek, Cree, Micmac and Innu. The program was developed by the Corporation des fêtes de la Grande Paix de Montréal in association with the support program to Montréal schools. An educational guide was produced, which includes a teacher's guide, a student guide and information capsules allowing both teachers and students to better understand the historical meaning of the events associated with the signing of the peace treaty of 1701 and of their impact on our present-day society. The realization of this educational program was made possible thanks to a grant by the Government of Québec. In addition, the Corporation des fêtes de la Grande Paix de Montréal wishes to thank the sponsors of the First Peace Ambassadors Parade: Aviation Québec Labrador, Air Creebec and Parc Olympique Montréal. Coming
soon : the Great Gathering of August 3, 4 and 5 La
Corporation des fêtes de la Grande Paix de Montréal
Information
: Anne-Marie Laurin / Lise Perras
|
|
 |
|
 |