I am pleased to note the presence of so many chiefs and warriors of the
Six Nations who are here assembled on the basis of one common
citizenship with you, to join with our white brethren to pay respect and
homage to the late hero, General Sir Isaac Brock, who offered his life
as a sacrifice in the cause he so gallantly defended. He was the brave
leader who led the white man and Indian in the defence of our country,
our flag, and all that pertained to the maintenance of British
institutions.
Our act to-day is a noble one. It is of a kind that touches deep down
into the heart that throbs with affection's glow. It is one worthy of
emulation by our posterity. We as a people should never lose sight of
the great importance that must attach to this occasion, and of the duty
we owe to our children to do all we can to impress their minds with the
precepts of loyalty to the king and crown, that should be ever steadfast
and immovable.
As a member of the Six Nations it is not altogether my wish that I
should be looked upon on this occasion as a mere representative of my
nation, but rather as a representative of the noble native Indian race
which has so conspicuously identified itself with British arms at
critical periods in the history of our fair Dominion.
One hundred years ago our country and people were befogged by conditions
that were grey and ominous. It was very uncertain as to the part, if
any, the Indians would take in the impending conflict.
From this spot, almost, General Brock set out for Amherstburg to arrange
plans of campaign, and there met and shook hands with Tecumseh, this
patriot Indian giving the assurance to his chief in command of the
forces that he and his united Indian tribes composed of the Shawanoes,
Wyandottes, Chippewas, Ottawas, Foxes and others, were ready to go into
the field of action in defence of the British cause.
Like General Brock, this noble red man, as a leader of his kinsmen, also
sacrificed his life in the cause of his king and country. And sad is it
to say that not even a heave of the turf marks his last resting-place.
It is not for me to laud or unduly magnify the important part the
Indians have played in wars that have marked our country's
history-making: but should such an emergency again present itself, I
feel confident that the Indians will never be found wanting.
MR. CHARLES R. McCULLOUGH
Honorary President of the Association of Canadian Clubs
I tender my thanks to the Committee for honouring the hundred clubs of
the Dominion by inviting their honorary president to take part in the
proceedings of this great day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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