Cardinal tells people he felt “compelled” to become involved in the stone hearth monument at a time when Canadians have embarked on a process of reconciliation to finally recognize First Nations people who contributed to this country’s defense, inception, culture, national character and wealth.

“For centuries, native peoples have been marginalized and erased from our history,” he said.

McCormick told Thorold city council Tuesday night that the 50,000 pounds of highly prized Queenston limestone being donated by the Queenston Quarry Reclamation Company is in various stages of cutting, milling and finish-carving and is expected to be assembled on-site in mid-August for a grand opening in September.

Work is also underway for a landscape plan spearheaded by in-kind support from Quartek Group Inc., that will include such things as parking lot and monument area enhancements, signage, lighting and planting of drought resistant plants.

McCormick also announced that in addition to federal funding that was key to the project going ahead, the Rick Hansen Foundation is funding a hard surface pathway through the Access4All program to allow people mobility issues to access the new monument.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake monument, eight years in the making, commemorates native warriors who fought in the Battle of Queenston Heights and other battles in the War of 1812.

Johnson, who was also at the unveiling in October, called the site “hallowed ground” where native warriors stood their ground on land where a new nation was founded.

That memorial also marks the historic ceremony of peace and reconciliation between the Six Nations of the Grand River and natives from New York, held in 1815.

The monument includes bronze sculptures of native leaders John Brant and John Norton, along with eight bronze medallions featured on massive Queenston limestone walls.

Hundreds of people turned out for the unveiling despite a heavy downpour — showing how important the monument is, said Johnson.

“This is real history – commemorating a history forgotten and not included in the history books,” he told Niagara this Week. “This is a great honour, not just to our native ancestors, but to all Canadians,” he said.

Niagara Parks Commission chair Janice Thomson said it was incredibly important to preserve the contributions of First Nations people in the war.

“Two centuries after the conflict which took place on these lands, this park has become a place of peace and reflection,” Thomson said. “This memorial and touching landscape is a fitting tribute to the contributions and partnerships established during those times, which must not be forgotten.”

- with files by Scott Rosts

