Aboriginal Peoples: The War of 1812 | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Aboriginal Peoples: The War of 1812

This guide is designed to complement Historica Canada’s War of 1812 guide and themed guides by offering an in-depth discussion of the role of Aboriginal communities in this significant conflict. This guide is made possible with generous support from the Government of Canada.


The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 presents an opportunity for Canadians to turn their attention to this significant time in the country’s history. The War of 1812 had a major impact on the future of British North America and, in particular, on the continent’s Aboriginal peoples, many of whom played an important role in protecting the Canadas (Upper and Lower Canada; now Ontario, Québec and Labrador) from American invasion.

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