Niagara's rich heritage and legacy of Indigenous life, culture and community
These lands, which have been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for millennia, have witnessed in more recent times the presence of the Neutral Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation of the Anishinaabek people.
In addition, many other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people from across North America (Turtle Island) live and work in Niagara today. The land of the Niagara River corridor was referenced in treaties made between the Crown and First Nations in the 18th century.
The Niagara Region has a long-standing friendship with the Indigenous peoples of this land. Oral tradition and archaeological evidence show that Indigenous peoples lived along the Niagara River for some 13,000 years. This friendship is seen throughout Niagara Region’s most prominent history, which includes strategic alliances activated during the War of 1812. First Nations allies helped the heavily outnumbered defenders of Upper Canada stand against overwhelming American forces. Their efforts helped secure victory at pivotal events throughout the War of 1812 and secured freedom for all Canadians.
Niagara Parks has commemorated many historic sites in the Niagara Region that exhibit and celebrate the fascinating art and history that the indigenous culture has provided to the development of Niagara Falls and Canada. Some sites include, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, Upper Canada Native Art Centre, The Power Station (Seneca exhibit), Fort George, Pollinator Gardens, The Landscape of Nations Commemorative Memorial, Memorial Cairn in Chippawa Battlefield Park, Norton’s Grove and the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre.