Unity Gathering pays tribute to Tecumseh
By Greg Plain
BKEJWANONG – The Anishinaabe and many other Nations gathered in Southwest Ontario First Nations for a week-long celebration that culminated Oct. 5th, the 200th anniversary of the death of Chief Tecumseh in the Battle of the Thames during the War of 1812.
The seven-day World Unity Gathering included parades and a fall fair at Bkejwanong (Walpole Island) , artistic readings and Midewiwin Ceremonies at Deskaan Ziibii (Chippewas of the Thames), and other teachings in Munsee-Delaware and the Longhouse of Oneida Nation.
Historic re-enactments depicted the Anishinaabe alliance with British forces against the invading Americans. The week’s theme was “Rekindling Tecumseh’s Vision” of creating a great confederacy of North American Indian Nations.
Bkejwanong Unceded Territory unveiled a restored monument to Tecumseh overlooking the St. Clair River, where it is said the remains of the great Shawnee warrior are buried.
Chiefs of area First Nations met Chief Glenna Wallace of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, who thanked her hosts and said “We trust our Chief Tecumseh is in very good hands and is being well taken care of in this territory.”
Chief Burton Kewayosh welcomed visitors, noting that ”Our community is honoured to be the resting place of the great Chief Tecumseh and this restoration and new plaque will allow new generations to view and know the vision of Tecumseh”. A new plaque tells the story of Tecumseh in both English and Anishinaabemowin.