Steep yourself in time-honoured traditions of an Aboriginal culture that's older than recorded time. The Burlington area has a rich aboriginal history which is celebrated through events and at local attractions.  Join in the spectacle of dramatic drums and colourful swirling dress at Joseph Brant Day celebrating Burlington’s first son Mohawk leader, Thayendanegea. Time travel to a reconstructed Aboriginal village at Crawford Lake Conservation Area to learn about and try your hand at First Nations customs and crafts.

Joseph Brant - Thayendanegea

Joseph Brant was a Mohawk warrior, Christian missionary, a British military officer, Freemason and Burlington’s first citizen. In 1798 George III granted “unto Captain Joseph Brant and his heirs and assigns forever” 3450 acres “at the Head of Lake Ontario”. It was here, in 1800, that Joseph Brant built his home overlooking Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay.  You can visit the Burlington Historical Society archives to see copies of a hand-drawn map from 1797 indicated the land given to Joseph Brant and other interesting maps and surveys of Brant’s block.  

Joseph Brant Museum

Built between 1937-1938 as a replica of the original home of Captain Joseph Brant, the Joseph Brant Museum is Burlington’s community museum.  Through guided tours, exhibits, interactive displays, a hands-on discovery gallery, visible storage, educational programming, and special events, Joseph Brant Museum tells the important story of the historical founding, settlement and development of the Burlington area.  The museum also contains a significant collection of costume and costume accessories. The Joseph Brant exhibit features artifacts relating to Joseph Brant, considered by some to be Burlington's first citizen.  The exhibit highlights artifacts personally belonging to Joseph Brant during his earlier years before settling in Burlington, as well as a portrait display that discusses the Man Behind the Image. The Royal Canadian Mint issued a commemorative silver dollar in 2007 honouring this hero Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant). Refer to Museums site - Educational programs.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area and Iroquoian Village

Listen to the spirits sing in rustic longhouses where authentic tools, tanned hides and the curl of smoke will provide you with a glimpse of life in a 15th century Iroquoian Village - located on one of Ontario's most accurately dated prehistoric archeological sites.

Events

Aboriginal Awareness Day  
June 24, 2012  Crawford Lake Conservation Area 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Stroll along the Moccasin Walk trail, create a craft, taste some Hemlock Tea, play a traditional game, explore the reconstructed Iroquoian village or listen to storytelling in the longhouse. No matter which activity you choose Crawford Lake is the perfect place to celebrate Ontario’s rich Aboriginal heritage!    Regular Admission fees apply. Call for details 905 854-0234.

Joseph Brant Day August 6, 2012

Joseph Brant Day is the regionally recognized annual heritage festival put on by the Museums of Burlington and held on the Civic Holiday weekend (first Monday in August) at La Salle Park in Burlington. Joseph Brant Day pays tribute to Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea, one of Burlington’s earliest settlers and a national figure and it is a family, fun-filled event and a wonderful tradition enjoyed during the summer civic holiday.A dazzling line up of entertainment is staged each year, captivating thousands of visitors.

Season of the Three Sisters   Weekens in July - Sept. 3
2012 Crawford Lake Conservation Area 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Explore the reconstructed Iroquoian Village. Enjoy self guided games and stories, free craft making or win a prize in the free discovery hunt. Visit the silent waters of Crawford Lake by walking the boardwalk trail. Visitors can participate in all these activities and a fascinating Longhouse Lore presentation daily from Canada Day to Labour Day. call for details 905 854-0234

Season of Falling Leaves  

Fall  2012  Crawford Lake Conservation Area 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Weekends and holidays - Enjoy the spectacular fall colours of the Niagara Escarpment at Crawford Lake. Visit the fascinating reconstructed Iroquoian Village to learn more about the autumn harvest for Ontario's first farmers. Enjoy crafts, discovery hunts and videos and visit the beautiful and unique gift shop any day of the week. Weekdays - facilities may be limited – please call 905 854-0234 for tour times.

Season of the Snowsnake  
January - February 20 2013 Crawford Lake Conservation Area 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Weekends and holidays - Share in the discovery at Crawford Lake this winter! Explore the beautiful snowy landscape on a pair of snowshoes courtesy of Crawford’s rental program. Call for details on guided tours of the reconstructed Iroquoian Village and Longhouses. Weekdays - facilities are limited – call for details 905 854-0234.

Sweetwater Season   

March - April  2013 Crawford Lake Conservation Area 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Weekends and holidays - Visit the reconstructed Iroquoian Village and learn how maple syrup was discovered and used by Ontario’s First Peoples as you take in an interactive (and edible!) Sweet Water demonstration. Maple themed crafts and discovery hunts for kids. Weekdays - facilities are limited – call for details 905 854-0234

Related Pages

• History & Museums
• Historical Walking Tours
• Famous Burlingtonians
• Events

Related Links

• Burlington Historical Society
• Museums of Burlington
• Conservation Halton - Crawford Lake