Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

 

 

Special Treat – Hartson Dowd

 

May 25, 2006

Bread and Cheese Day

 Hartson Dowd

hsdowd@telus.net

The Six Nations of the Grand River has a total membership of 19,002 with 9,527 of those on reserve (Oct. 96 stats) composed of the Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca and Tuscarora Nations. Located on the Grand River, the reserve is the largest First Nations community in Canada. The Reserve government consists of twelve Councilors and a Chief Councilor who meet in a modern Council House in the village of Ohsweken.     

 

At the Six Nations reserve near Brantford, Ontario, (Independence Day) Bread and Cheese Day is celebrated on Victoria Day.     Since 1837, it has been the practice to distribute bread and cheese to the residents of the reserve.          The custom was begun by agents of Queen Victoria.  Now it is the Six Nations band councillors who distribute the bread and cheese from the community centre.       It is also an occasion for cultural displays and for such special occasions such as ball games, horse racing, singing and dancing.

 

Map of Southwestern Ontario