September 14th, 2022
A special exhibit at the Canadian National Exhibition combined art and technology to introduce visitors to the history, culture and military contributions of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. They are part of the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) Nation, one of the largest Indigenous Nations in North America. Their traditional territory includes the city of Toronto, and land acknowledgements make reference to it.
The exhibit featured a showcase of Indigenous veterans who fought for Canada in the War of 1812, the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War. Stories included the history of the 114th Battalion (Haldimand), and Canadian Expeditionary Force (also known as “Brock’s Rangers”). The First World War infantry battalion recruited in Haldimand County and the Six Nations reserve, and was mobilized at Cayuga, Ontario. The 114th Battalion advertised itself as “the Indian Unit” during active recruiting, and several battalions transferred their Indigenous Canadian recruits to the 114th. The unit set out for Britain on October 31, 1916, and its personnel were absorbed by the 35th and 36th Reserve Battalions to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The 114th Battalion was awarded the battle honour THE GREAT WAR 1916.