The Association
The United Empire Loyalists Association is a patriotic, historical and genealogical society. As a patriotic group, members uphold Canada's distinctive political and legal heritage, to which their ancestors contributed. The Association supports Canada's constitutional monarchy. Those interested in the history of the American Revolution, the story of the Loyalists, and their military role in the 1775-1783 war will find fellow enthusiasts in the Association. Members actively seek out historic places, documents and artifacts connected to the Loyalists' experience and migration so these things can be preserved for future generations.
It is estimated that 4 million Canadians living today are descended from a Loyalist ancestor but many are not aware of their Loyalist background.
The Charter
A group of proven loyalists applied to Ottawa via petition. The Chilliwack branch was our sponsor. Our charter was approved in April 1995. Thus, the Thompson Okanagan was formed as a branch of the United Empire Loyalists. We recently celebrated our 4th anniversary in Kamloops on May 1, 1999.
Who Were the Loyalists?
The loyalists were colonists in what became the United States of America who remained faithful to the British crown and constitution during the American Revolution (1775-1783). They believed that disputes between the colonists and Britain's parliament over imperial taxation and trade controls did not justify a rebellion against the lawful government. They also prized their civil and property rights, which were violated by the rebels. Loyalists remained true to their oath of allegiance to King George III and opposed the radical protesters.
Most Loyalists were farmers and craftsmen; only one quarter of them were British immigrants. As many spoke Gaelic, German and Dutch as spoke English. African-Americans and Aboriginal allies joined their ranks. Only a small percentage came from the colonial elite or held public office that tied them to the crown. What these people had in common were their political principles.
An estimated 80,000 preferred to leave rather than come to terms with the republic established by the rebels. For many of the exiles, the homes they loved had been destroyed and their possessions had been confiscated. They were even tarred and feathered. Half of these fugitives settled in what is now Canada.
For their fidelity and sacrifices, the refugee Loyalists and their descendants were given the right to append the letters U.E. to their names. They were also given special land grants. This is Canada's only hereditary title. In 1914 a national association for Loyalists descendants was incorporated. This was the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada.
Membership
An applicant must first join one of the 29 branches across Canada. Anyone who supports the association's aims is welcome as an associate member. When you have documented your lineage, you can apply for a certificate of Loyalist ancestry and become a regular member. If you are a citizen of a country whose head of state is not Queen Elizabeth II, you join as an affiliate member.
Association membership is obtained through a local branch.
Benefits
Keeping the memory of Canada's Loyalist pioneers alive can involve the re-creation of historic events and people, dressed in late eighteenth century costume. U.E.L.A.C. branches hold informate meetings and social events over the year. Some branches organize tours to historic sites. All members receive branch bulletins and The Loyalist Gazette, our national magazine. Prospective members often begin with an interest in their own ancestors and are helped by branch libraries and genealogists in reconstructing their own family history. As Loyalist descendants, our interest in the past involves enjoyable activities in the present and an active role in shaping Canada's future.
Education
A group of U.E.L. members attend at area schools where students are shown a film on the lives of the Loyalists and the events which took place during the American Revolution. Eileen Foster, U.E., Assistant Genealogist and Secretary of the Thompson Okanagan branch, tells a story about a day in life of a 10-year-old Loyalist girl. Members are dressed in period costume, a questionnaire is handed out and a prize given to the student with the most correct answers.
Meetings
There are four meetings annually. All four take place during the summer months because winter road conditions make travel more difficult. The Thompson Okanagan branch includes members from Kamloops to Osoyoos. The first meeting of the year is in Kamloops or Penticton, the rest are held in Vernon due to its central location. The Kamloops and Penticton meetings are held wherever space is available and the Vernon meetings are held in the Alpine Centre on Kal Lake Road at 1:00 p.m. The meetings are announced in local newspapers . Our branch invites a guest speaker to several meeting to encourage member involvement and participation. Our extensive research library is opened at the end of every meeting and the genealogist and other members are available to answer questions. Refreshments are served.
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