The 2020 Owen Sound Arts and Cultural Awards featured nominees that highlighted some of the many faces of culture in our community and beyond.

A lifetime achievement award was presented to Wilmer Nadjiwon His sons Sidney and Wendall accepted the award on behalf of their father.

Activist, WW2 veteran, elder, teacher, Chief, writer, painter, storyteller and woodcarver, Nadjiwon embodied what it means to nurture and expand the understanding of culture of a place and a people.

Nadjiwon's work continued to evolve throughout his life – he took up painting in his 90s – and was passed on to generations, in his home community of Neyaashiinigmiing and far beyond.

In that same vein, the Wiidosendiwag + Walking Together + Marchons Ensemble Tour received the Cultural Heritage award for the story-telling trail along 3rd Avenue West and area, marked by a series of metal sculptures.

The tour, which allows millenia-old stories to be heard with 20th century technology in three languages, was an initiative of the First United Truth and Reconciliation Circle in partnership with Trish Meekins, Nikaanaganaa Counselling and Learning Centre and Susan Schank, Great Lakes Metis Council, of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, knowledge keepers of the traditional territory in which Grey and Bruce are located and artist Virginia Gail Smith, in consultation with the Saugeen First Nation and Neyaashiinigmiing, Chippewas of Nawash and the City of Owen Sound.

Outstanding Individual, Stephanie Fowler
Outstanding Group, Lookup Theatre
Outstanding Event, Scenic City Film Festival
Most Promising New Event, Owen Sound Art Walk
Cultural Heritage, Wiidosendiwag + Walking Together + Marchons Ensemble Tour
Cultural Catalyst, Community Foundation Grey Bruce
Emerging Artist, Kevin Griffin

The awards celebration took place in the new Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts in downtown Owen Sound, as classes and demonstrations took place throughout the facility.

source: media release