A new tour of Ontario’s Niagara region details the untold history of Canada’s famous tourist destination

In a typical (pre-pandemic) year, the city of Niagara Falls can brag about the 12 million people who come to gaze at its rushing waters. It’s been the focus of daredevils in barrels, a cinematic setting in 1953’s “Niagara” starring Marilyn Monroe and 2014’s “Tammy” with Melissa McCarthy, and a favoured honeymoon destination for more than a century.

Less famous, however, is the history of First Nations who have inhabited this region for 13,000 years. The Indigenous Niagara Living Museum Tours, launching this September, aim to bring more attention to this past by showcasing 14 historical and cultural sights. Each tour will be led by Tim Johnson or Michele-Elise Burnett of Landscape of Nations 360, a Niagara not-for-profit creating education and arts programs highlighting Indigenous peoples.

“This group tour has been in the works for over two years,” explains Johnson, who piloted the program with Niagara teachers in 2019. A Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River (and a descendant of the legendary Mohawk leader Thayendanegea, also known as Joseph Brant), Johnson brings his experience as the former associate director for museum programs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

Johnson was also a member of committees instrumental to the creation of several sights included on the tour: the Landscape of Nations Memorial (2016) in Queenston Heights Park, the First Nations Peace Monument (2017) in DeCew House Heritage Park, and the Curtain Call art installation by Lilly Otasevic (2019) at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines.

“Place-based learning is a powerful way to teach history,” explains Johnson, who believes being at these sites leaves a stronger lasting impression. “We’re including historians, artists and performers on the tour — there will be several surprises.”

With many visitors drawn to Niagara for its many War of 1812 locations, the tour will illuminate what’s not in history books: the role of Indigenous peoples in the conflict. “Many of us know the story of Laura Secord, who warned the British of an imminent attack by Americans,” explains Johnson. “But not commonly known are the 300 Mohawk who won that Battle of Beaver Dams, defeating 500 Americans.”

The tour will also reveal the intrinsic connection between the famous waterfalls and the livelihood and traditions of the Haudenosaunee. “There are many stories which refer to the thunders, the power of water, and how it informs and heals,” said Johnson. “You’ll never think of Niagara Falls the same way after the tour.”

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.