One day, by chance, Mr. Ireland happened to tune in to an open line radio show, on which listeners were asked their reactions to their government's efforts, to preserve French language and culture in Quebec at a seemingly exorbitant cost. The listeners were asked to justify it by citing some of the reasons they felt distinct as a Quebec society. After several calls from various places in Quebec , one caller, an American from New Jersey married to a Quebecoise, declared himself astounded at the evasive vagueness he was hearing from the others. He went on to laud the bravery of those who opened up the North American territories, describing in detail the canoes which carried the voyageurs, and the relentless hardships they had to endure on this not yet known continent. After naming and giving the history of several important figures in Quebec 's history, he advised the audience to “be proud of your roots.” This moment, feels Mr. Ireland , was the impetus in the creation of NORTH AMERICAN HISTORICAL ART INC.

Under the auspices of this organization, Mr. Ireland takes on the task of bringing history, through his art, back to life. By capturing particular moments in the history of early North American exploration, he also illustrates the vital role played by the early French colonists and First Nations people in the founding of many cities across Canada and the U.S.A. As well, the stories of this country's start are a source of pride for all Canadians. These earliest explorers were true heroes, and their bravery in the face of the most hostile elements is part of a proud heritage. This romantic era of our history, Mr. Ireland feels, is often overlooked and rarely celebrated. “The history of the voyageurs is the source of some of the proudest moments for Canadians, and deserves wider recognition on both the national and international stages. Without their unwavering courage and curiousity, much of North America would have remained unknown.”

It took two years of research, with the help and guidance of Kirk Wipper, founder of the Peterborough Canoe Museum , Michael Greco of Canadian River Heritage, Jean Pierre Hardy of The Museum of Civilization, and many others with innumerable and invaluable advice, before master sculptor Ralph C. Ireland would complete the first work in his remarkable series, “Voyageur Canoe.” He is hard at work at the moment on the third in this collection.

Kirk Wipper	Ralph C. Ireland	Michael Greco