THE HONOURING

“You may rely on it that without the Indians we never could keep this country and that with them [on the British side] the Americans never will take the upper posts…for in the woods, where the Americans must past, one Indian is equal to three white men.”

– Canadian Militia Officer John Askin to Judge William D. Powell, Jan. 25, 1813

The Honouring pays homage to Onkwehon:wen and First Nations warriors and their families who sacrificed to protect Haudenosaunee sovereignty, culture and land during the War of 1812. Audiences have the opportunity to understand the complexity of the War of 1812 through the experiential lens of First Nations, offering a human face to our history.

Devised through extensive cultural research within the Onkwehon:wen community, The Honouring is a re-telling our historical truths not told in the education system. Through body and voice the performance shares the symbols, philosophy and worldview of the Six Nations and their First Nations allies.

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Commissioned

The Honouring was commissioned by the City of Toronto, Museum Services as part of the Indigenous Arts Festival at Fort York, Woodland Cultural Centre Creation Residency and Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council. The premiere performance, took place at Toronto’s historic Fort York on June 2013.

Kaha:wi Dance Theatre's "The Honouring" premiered the theatrical performance on Oct 21, 2015 at the Flato Markham Theatre, ON. An original commission by the City of Toronto for Fort York's Aboriginal Arts Festival, due to popular demand and its powerful content Kaha:wi Dance Theatre has re-envisioned "The Honouring" for the proscenium stage.