This painting by local artist Francis Granger was completed in 1864. It is an image of the military hospital on the Niagara Commons. It is also the former Indian Council House. The council house served as an embassy and a meeting space for the British Indian Department and the local Indigenous people. Annually, they would meet to discuss treaties, alliances and concerns and to provide gifts to the Indigenous people. The original building was destroyed during the War of 1812. It was rebuilt and used until 1822 when the British Indian Department was no longer active here.  June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day when Canada celebrates the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of Indigenous people. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum has a temporary display with our Indigenous collection in our upper gallery – we invite you to come and learn more!