We pack a lot into the pages of every issue of Kayak, but there’s always more great stuff we just can’t fit in. So join Teeka and Beau, our otter mascots, to find out more about the theme of each issue, or just pick up some random bits of Canadian history.
The War of 1812
How Does a Re-Enactment Work?
When dozens or even hundreds of people re-enact a battle, how do they know what to do? Mark Dickerson has been re-enacting since 1988, mostly the Battle of the Thames near his home in Chatham, Ontario. (There’s a huge re-enactment of that battle, in which the great Shawnee leader Tecumseh was killed, planned for October 4 & 5, 2013.) “There’s a general rough script,” says Dickerson. “Each side has a commanding officer responsible for following the script. You tell the officer you’re going to die.” Part of the fun for re-enactors is not knowing exactly what’s going to happen when. “It’s a good outdoors experience,” says Dickerson, “and you really get to use your imagination.”
1812 Graphic Novel
Looking for a totally fun way to learn more about the War of 1812? (Well, other than Kayak, of course!) Check out The Loxleys and the War of 1812 from Renegade Publishing. The book tells the story of the war through the eyes of one family from Upper Canada. There’s a handy factual section at the back. And if you have an iPad, you can download an interactive version. You’ll probably enjoy the story of the Loxleys most if you’re 10 or older.
Canadian Spies Help Win the War
As long as countries have fought each other, there have been spies who slipped in among the enemy and sent important information back to their own side. Jacob and David Manning were born American but moved to Canada after the War of Independence. From their farm in Quebec, just north of the U.S. border, the brothers spied for the British, learning tidbits that helped beat the invading Americans at the Battle of Châteauguay. When captured, they refused to give any information, and were secretly freed by an American officer who used to be their neighbour.