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An Unauthorized History of Parliament Hill: From Indigenous Land to Headquarters of Canada's Elite

An Unauthorized History of Parliament Hill: From Indigenous Land to Headquarters of Canada's Elite
The Parliament Buildings under construction.
The Parliament Buildings under construction.

Photo:  Construction of the Parliament Buildings

Parliament Hill is the most visited site in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, yet few people are familiar with its real history: the Algonquin people whose land it was, the British plan to make it a military fortress, the strikes and accidents involved in construction of the buildings, and its use by governments and protestors to influence political decision-making. This tour, led by Brian McDougall of Peoples’ History Walking Tours, examines many controversial aspects of the history of the ‘the Hill’ omitted in official tours.

As for all events on Jane's Walk weekend, this tour is free.

Location
Route

Starting from the corner of Mackenzie Ave. & Rideau St. (in front of Milestones, across Mackenzie from the Chateau Laurier), the tour will proceed up Wellington to Parliament Hill, and then onto the Hill, visiting various sites outside the buildings, and ending at the Centennial Flame.

About the walk leader

Brian McDougall is the founder and principle guide with Peoples’ History Walking Tours, a new (2014) Ottawa based company that takes its inspiration from practitioners of ‘history-from-below’. Brian is a long-time union and social activist, university teacher, and former public servant.  He rejects ‘official’ versions of history that mainly reflect the interests of the 1%.

For more information about Brian and the Peoples' History Walking Tours, visit the website. 

Guide:

Brian McDougall

When:
Date:Sat May 2, 2015
Time:10:30 AM
Duration: 2 hours
Language: English
Where:
Start:Mackenzie Ave. & Rideau St., in front of Milestones
End:Centennial flame on Parliament Hill
Area:Parliament Hill/Centertown
Distance:3.0 kms
Accessibility:

There are stairs at various points on Parliament Hill. Those with mobility restrictions may need to take a longer route to reach some stops on this tour.

Gallery
The Parliament Buildings under construction.
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk