War of 1812 reenactments. Photo: Darcy Ortiz

The War of 1812, a battle between the British and the Americans, was fought in the aftermath of the American Revolution. It had many causes, including disagreement over the rights of the newly formed United States, trade and taxes, nation boundaries, and control of the Great Lakes. Several battle sites are located in the Sault Ste. Marie and Niagara Falls areas.

Early in the war, a Sault Ste. Marie alliance of First Nations, Metis and British (which included Chief Shingwauk and Charles Oakes Ermatinger) captured Fort Michilimackinac in Michigan. Shingwauk also fought alongside Isaac Brock and Chief Tecumseh in the Niagara wars. He led 700 Indigenous warriors to battle in defense of Ojibway homelands. For his efforts, Chief Shingwauk was awarded three medals by the British government.