The Tuesday following Thanksgiving is German Pioneers Day in Ontario. This day was established by legislation that took effect in 2000.

In 2012, a delegation that included some of the members of the Markham Berczy Settlers’ Association appeared before the City of Markham council. Lorne Smith spoke about our ancestors. You can read about it here.

2012 German Pioneers’ Day delegation to Markham Council outside the City Hall

This year there will be public recognition of this day in Toronto and Kitchener.

For the descendants of the Markham Berczy settlers who came to Canada in 1794, it is an opportunity for us to honour our ancestors. It is a day when we can think about the challenges they faced during their journey and when they arrived in a new country and their contributions to Canada.