One of the greatest contributions made by First Nations to the shared history of Canada is their participation in the War of 1812. The British needed the support of the First Nations warriors to defend Upper Canada when the Americans invaded the country in 1812. The British Colonel, Issac Brock, had promised the great warrior Tecumseh, that a separate First Nation territory would be established in return for their support. Many Chippewa/Anishnaabe warriors participated in this war and over 15,000 First Nation warriors lost their lives. In some cases, battles were won based only on the participation of First Nation warriors. In fact, the Americans retreated on several occasions due to their fear of the warriors!

Tecumseh and his dream of a separate homeland for all First Nations people died on the battlefield at Moraviantown after the cowardly retreat of his British allies under General Proctor. Proctor had left less than 500 warriors to fight over 3,000 American soldiers on the banks of the Thames River. Without the participation of the First Nation warriors to fight against the Americans, the modern-day country of Canada may not have existed.