ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY
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Local historian Dave Town kicks off the 2022 History Speaker Series at the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.
Town will recount Yellowhead's Revolt, the long-forgotten story of the two local Chippewa Chiefs who stood defiant against not just the white man, but all their fellow Chiefs at the 'Great Meeting of the Chiefs' held in Orillia in 1846. This meeting was the origin of residential schools in Canada.
After 15 years of studies and inquiries the government of Upper Canada thought they had found a solution to “the Indian problem.”
The Chiefs of all the southern Ontario tribes were called to a Great Meeting in Orillia in 1846 to finalize the plan, but when the votes were taken Rama's Chief Yellowhead and his feisty neighbour, Chief Aisance from Beausoliel Island, stood alone in opposition.
At issue were a number of life-changing policies, the most significant of which was the creation of the first residential schools in Canada. It was Chief Yellowhead's last stand as leader of his people.
Hear this story brought to life by Dave Town, who has a passion for our local history. A local Orillia chiropractor, Town has now published 11 books and many shorter works that delve into the forgotten stories that bring Orillia’s fascinating history vividly to life and preserve them for future generations.
Town has been researching and writing for over 20 years and still has a long list of topics on his “to do” list. This will be his sixth presentation as guest speaker for OMAH, having forged a reputation as an engaging speaker for diverse groups in and around Orillia. Don’t miss Dave’s presentation about this important event in our local history.
Click on here to register now and receive a link to the talk. Or call Monica at 705-326-2159 or email [email protected]. Admission is free. Donations to OMAH are greatly appreciated.
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