The federal government is providing $4.8 million to fund two dozen War of 1812 commemorative programs across the country.

“Canada would not exist had the American invasion not been repelled,” Heritage Minister James Moore said in announcing the funding through three programs.  “We invite all Canadians to learn more about this important part of our past and to take part in many of the activities and events that will pay tribute to our heroes.”

On the West Coast, the Celebration and Commemoration Program is providing  $950,000 for the War of 1812 Experience at Canada Place in Vancouver.  The free interactive exhibit, which opens in June and runs through March 2014, is complemented by a school program.

The Canadian Studies Program is providing $719,000 to the Historica-Dominion Institute to  produce Heritage Minutes as well as a reenactment of the 1,100-kilometre march of the New Brunswick 104th Regiment of Foot from Fredericton to Kingston; and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society will receive $567,000 to develop resources for teachers, among other projects.

Among projects funded by The War of 1812 Commemoration Fund are a $351,000 national First Nations celebration; $300,000 for a commemorative centre on the site of the parliament buildings burnt by the Americans in 1813;  $131,810 for a multi-site museum educational programming in Toronto at Fort York and various museums; a $400,000 Flames of War sound and light show in Oakville; $209,000 for commemorative activities in Lacolle, Que., where Charles-Michel de Salaberry’s forces turned away the Americans; $142,000 to The St. John River Society‘s commemoration in Fredericton, N.B.; $287,000 to The Ka’nata Foundation in Halifax, N.S., for 1812! in 18 minutes, 12 seconds; $148,000 for  Halifax Citadel Army Museum and Archives commemorations; $99,000 for commemorations by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment‘s participation in the war.