War of 1812 Monument, Triumph Through Diversity
Prominently located on Parliament Hill, the War of 1812 Monument occupies a site with direct views of, and a symbolic connection to, the National War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and The Valiants Memorial, all of which mark major conflicts in Canada’s history. This monument is a dynamic national tribute to the spirit, courage and bravery of those who served and successfully defended their land in the fight for Canada.
The rough-hewn central granite plinth evokes the ruggedness of the land in the 1800s and the nearby rocky cliff of Parliament Hill. The two granite boat-shaped pieces represent the maritime theatre of war and echo the Gothic arches of the Parliament Buildings. Atop the three plinths, seven bronze figures, each approximately two metres tall, represent the key combatants that came together to defeat the American invasion: a Métis fighter firing a cannon; a woman bandaging the arm of a Voltigeur; a Royal Navy sailor pulling a rope; a First Nations warrior pointing to the distance; a Canadian militiaman raising his arm in triumph, and a member of a British Army unit, specifically the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, firing a musket.
The monument, entitled Triumph Through Diversity, was created by Toronto sculptor Adrienne Alison.
The War of 1812 Monument, Triumph Through Diversity
Discover the story behind the The War of 1812 Monument, Triumph Through Diversity in this Decoding ART video.
The War of 1812 Monument, Triumph Through Diversity (youth version)
Discover the story behind the The War of 1812 Monument, Triumph Through Diversity in this Decoding ART video.
The War of 1812 Monument, Triumph Through Diversity (artist version)
Discover the story behind the The War of 1812 Monument, Triumph Through Diversity in this Decoding ART video.