The Working Group of the Legacy Sub-Committee of the NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE WAR OF 1812 BICENTENNIAL FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 3, 2012 Contact: Lyle Williams Communications Officer Niagara-On-The-Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee T: 905-468-8102 Cell: 289-696-2197 [email protected] / [email protected] http://www.1812niagaraonthelake.ca/ DESIGN CHALLENGE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS IS ANNOUNCED FOR MEMORIAL TO THE SIX NATIONS & NATIVE ALLIES TO BE BUILT AT QUEENSTON HEIGHTS! NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON. --- The committee charged with commemorating the role of the Six Nations and Native Allies in the Battle of Queenston Heights and the War of 1812 is pleased to announce their plan to accept design proposals for a major memorial to be placed at the National Historic Site of Queenston Heights Park. Established in connection to the 200th Anniversary events of the Battle of Queenston Heights, this design challenge offers artists a remarkable opportunity to bring the significance of a largely forgotten history to life. The Battle of Queenston Heights is a defining moment in Canada’s emergence as a nation. Fought as a result of an attempted invasion by American Forces on October 13, 1812, the defending British Army and Canadian Militia were aided by Six Nations and several other First Nations peoples who played a critical role in the shared victory. “This is the most important project to be undertaken at Queenston Heights Park since the existing monument to Major General Sir Isaac Brock was completed in 1856,” state the Memorial Working Group Co-Chairs Richard Merritt and Tim Johnson. This announcement is a call to artists to create a memorial that will commemorate the sacrifice and valor of Six Nations and Native Allies who fought in the Battle of Queenston Heights, recognize the cultural, diplomatic, and military contributions of Six Nations and Native Allies in their role as essential participants in the Battle of Queenston Heights, and reawaken the spirit of solidarity among friends and allies who once forged history together. The submissions will be based on several criteria. They are: Artistic Merit, Content Merit, Adherence to Design Criteria, Sustainability (as a permanent outdoor public art installation), and Public Appeal. The Request For Proposals also includes design guidelines for architecture and aesthetics, visitor experience and interpretive value, the use of symbolism, and integration with the surrounding environment. As this memorial will be seen by generations to come, the committee will follow very strict guidelines during this process. The committee is comprised of volunteers representing various heritage organizations in Niagara-On-The-Lake, members of the Native community and citizens from various business and civic sectors. This project is also made possible by the essential participation of Parks Canada and the Niagara Parks Commission. The continued support of Ontario Power Generation has also provided much needed financial assistance. Artists can obtain a copy of the Request For Proposals document by registering at www.biddingo.com or through the Town’s web site at www.notl.org. .