François-Xavier Prieur was one of dozens of Patriots who were exiled to Australia aboard the HMS Buffalo as punishment for their part in the 1837-1838 uprising in Lower Canada, now Quebec
. He later wrote in his memoir of his desire that pieces of the ship be sent to his home as a reminder of what he had suffered.
“I think it was that sudden realization that we’re now granting someone’s wish 185 years on; also knowing that family connection, I think it was quite a moving day,” he said in a recent interview. The documentary by Canadian-Australian filmmaker Deke Richards captured the imagination of Bill Edwards, the manager of the Northland office of Heritage New Zealand, who then read a translation of Prieur’s memoir and was moved by his words.
Edwards decided to help put the plan in action, “to get some crosses made, which should have been made 180 years ago,” he said. “This is a thing of pride in my family,” he said in a recent phone interview. “This is part of my history.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wildfires raging in Quebec, Alberta and B.C., triggering new evacuationsNearly 14,000 people were under evacuation orders in Quebec on Saturday, and authorities said most of them are not expected to return home until at least early next week
Read more »
Ticket sales top 1 million for Women's World Cup in Australia and New ZealandMore than 1 million tickets have been sold for the Women\u0027s World Cup kicking off in Australia and New Zealand next month.
Read more »
Air quality improving in southern Ontario and Quebec, but smoky skies linger in Alberta | Globalnews.caIn Alberta, the worst air quality is near Fort Chipewyan, which remains on an evacuation order as a nearby fire burns out of control.
Read more »
Quebec facing criticism over refusal to allow religious gathering at convention centre | Globalnews.caTourism Minister Caroline Proulx explained her decision by stating that the event would promote anti-abortion views, which she said are contrary to the core values of Quebec.
Read more »
Rainy weather to provide some relief for firefighters in Ontario and QuebecAir quality in major cities would be better over most of the weekend, but would likely be an issue in northern Ontario and western Quebec.
Read more »