Bill 120 2008

An Act to proclaim Tom Longboat Day

Preamble

Tom Longboat (Cogwagee) was born in Ohsweken, Six Nations Indian Reserve, Ontario on June 4, 1887.

Longboat was an Onondaga distance runner from the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation Indian Reserve near Brantford, Ontario.

Tom Longboat was not only one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in Canadian history, but also one of the world's greatest long distance runners. He helped establish marathon running as an international sport and won marathons in record breaking times, beating competitors from all over the world.

His running had earned him international fame when, at the age of 29, he set aside his athletic career to enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces to fight in World War I for his country.

As a dispatch carrier with the 107th Pioneer Battalion in France, Longboat ran messages and orders between units.

The famous runner was wounded twice during his time of service. Tom Longboat died in 1949 at the age of 62. He is a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the Indian Hall of Fame.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Tom Longboat Day

   1.  June 4 in each year is proclaimed as Tom Longboat Day.

Commencement

   2.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

   3.  The short title of this Act is the Tom Longboat Day Act, 2008.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims June 4 in each year Tom Longboat Day.