Cannon fire awakens history from 1812

Historical re-enactor David Morris, kneeling, portrays an 1812 American militia man captured by native warriors (L-R) James Ouellette, Christine Pohlkamp and Jordan Hewitt, during the War of 1812 Encampment.

By Andy Comber - June 2, 2010

People representing Native North Americans outnumbered other re-enactment groups at the War of 1812 Encampment, hosted over the weekend by the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum.

For 29-year-old Toronto resident Jordan Hewitt, a "full-blooded" Ojibway, it was a tribute to the First Nations to have so many people wanting to portray a role outside their own non-native heritage. The Ojibway, or Ojibwa, are among the largest groups of First Nations people north of Mexico.

"It is flattering that so many people can feel that connection with the First Nations," said Hewitt.

It was the first appearance at the 1812 encampment for Hewitt. Originally from Kenora, Ontario, he grew up in North Bay. Children at the event were especially enthralled by Hewitt's live demonstration of preparing and stretching a deer hide.
Now living in Toronto, Hewitt is a member of History Comes Alive, a historical re-enactment group led by David Morris. On Saturday, Morris portrayed voyageur Jean-Baptiste Dumont and Shawnee Chief Tecumseh the following day.

Portraying a native North American feels like the "natural fit" for Christine Pohlkamp, a re-enactor of German descent from Rockwood, Ontario.

Pohlkamp believes her work as a consultant with native communities formed the "connection" she feels with the First Nations. She portrayed Checomick, a female warrior of the Miami First Nations.

"Women would sometimes become warriors after they were past their childbearing years," Pohlkamp said. "Women were treated with a great deal of equality it was always a matriarchal society."

Victoria Beaulieu, event organizer and director of the museum, said children gain a real interest in history through the re-enactment. She said almost 90 local students attended an earlier Friday performance of Tecumseh by Morris.

Beaulieu noted that members of the 4-H Heritage Club were dressed as voyageurs at the encampment, displaying their interest in history.

"When they are given the chance, the children really enjoy being part of this," Beaulieu said. "It awakens their interest in history."

Cannon fire sent shockwaves through the air during a number of re-enactments pitting the Amherstburg Provincial Marine against marauding American forces led by a militia of Kentucky volunteers.

The encampment featured many interactive demonstrations including weaving, rope and candle making. Doug Robinson, also known as Shaymus Gunn the Storyteller, provided stories and legends, while local violinist Karen Billing played historical melodies and jigs.