About Our Organization
Our organization was born from a desire to share our common heritage and military history—it continues through a celebration of music, song and dance.
The Beginning
In 1992, to celebrate the 125th birthday of Canada, the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth presented The Greater Hamilton Tattoo. The featured acts were The Musical Ride of the RCMP and Spirit of the Nation, a national group of young Canadian performers formed for the Canada 125 celebrations.
This first tattoo was organized and presented by a group of local volunteers with military, musical and theatrical backgrounds. Many of the original volunteers have been involved with the tattoo throughout its history. The mandate from the beginning was to bring to the citizens of Hamilton and area the best international, national and local acts and to educate the public about Canada's military history and organization.
Our First Line-up
International performers have included The United States Military Academy Band from West Point, The Band of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the British Army, The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, The Johan Willem Friso Kapel from Holland and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team. National Acts, such as singer John McDermott, The Central Band of the Canadian Forces, The Canadian Naval Gun Race, The Woods Manufacturing Brass Band and The Mantini Sisters have also been featured. Local performers have included The Bach-Elgar Choir, The Regimental Band of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, The Hamilton Firefighters Drum Corps, The Chaika Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and The Pipes and Drums of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.
The Hamilton International Tattoo
In 1999, with the changes in local government and the dissolution of Hamilton-Wentworth Region, the Tattoo was in danger of being lost. A group of tattoo volunteers, all of whom had been regular participants since the beginning, formed a not-for-profit company with the express purpose of carrying on the production of a tattoo. The name changed to The Hamilton International Tattoo to reflect the reorganization, but the aims remained the same with the tattoo organizers continuing their efforts toward educating the public about Canada's military history.
Towards the Future
In 2006, with the help of a rejuvenated Board of Directors and faithful volunteers, a decision was made to change the name to the Canadian International Military Tattoo. The name reflects the organization's primary mandate to represent the culture and military tradition of Canada as a whole through music, song, dance and first-class entertainment.
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The Canadian International Military Tattoo is a not-for-profit organization.
Charitable number 87591 7817 RR0001.