The one-day program will be a mixture of presentations by leading historians (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) and cultural scholars with questions and comments from the audience. We also plan to create an 1812 ambiance for the day, by serving food of the period, having staff and facilitators dressed in period costumes, playing appropriate music and organizing displays of art and film clips. The day will begin with an overview of the war by historian Carl Benn. That will be followed by sessions on literature and music inspired by the war, the battle at Fort York, the participation of women in the war and the contribution of Aboriginal peoples. A concluding panel of scholars will discuss the significance of the war for Canada, for the United States and for the world.

As one of the first events of the bicentennial year, we hope that our event, particularly through the DVD it will produce, will stimulate interest in other events planned for the year, and assist other groups who are planning such events.