This is the presentation to Owen Sound City Council that led to the staff recommendation for dedicating the new 10th Street bridge Gitche Namewikwedong.

Good Evening Mayor and Council, My name is Nanebahwequay better known as Susan Staves Schank a member of the Chippewas of Nawashof the Saugeen Ojibwe Territory part of the 3 Fires Confederacy.

I  am here to talk about the significance of dedicating the new bridge on 10th Street as Gitche Namewikwedong. Which means: “Great Sturgeon Bay” the name of the Owen Sound area before contact.

The word "Reconciliation" means to renew or restore a friendship.

The past cannot be changed; we may not feel responsible for it; but we have a responsibility for the present and with knowledge, we can bring about changes for our future together.

Chief Greg Nadjiwon of Neyaashiinigmiing has said, “It is so important to acknowledge SON (Saugeen Ojibway Nation) territory with its original place names and by doing so strengthens our friendship with the City. I look forward to the dedication “

I would like to read a story from Elder Paul Nadjiwan from Neyaashiinigmiing about the significance of the Name - Sturgeon.

It has been reported that one of largest sturgeons caught on the Lake Huron / Lake Michigan basin was about 300 lbs and exceeded 8 feet in length. It's possible that an larger example may have existed in the depths of the Great Lakes,  and when the Elders from Neyaashiinigmiing refer to Georgian Bay it is called Gitche Nema' Wiikwedong. This term has been used for generations when using the Anishinaabemowin language. It means Great Sturgeon Bay.

This term ties back to the creations stories and it has been said that Nookomis Gitche Name' Kwe – Grandmother Sturgeon, with her longevity, wisdom of knowing the entirety of the lakes, and all the havens where fish feed and give birth to their young, as well as the whereabouts of medicines.

She gave birth to the clans. Most Anishinaabeg have a clan spirit as a family protector or dodem. The Elders used to say that "Gitche Name' Kwe" remains a true guardian of the Lake, all the fish, the waters currents and all things related to these waters.

So in memory of the elders who retained their traditional knowledge and place names we dedicate Gitche Name' Kwe as our iconic leader of the Reconciliation Garden here at Kelso Beach. After hearing the oral tradition of the area the committee agreed to commemorate this creation story from the elders and decided to have "Gitche Name' Kwe" serve as a physical, spiritual and cultural link to the land base where many Anishinabeg have resided. In its location Grandmother Sturgeon will see the Potowadomie River : the Owen Sound waterfront – and the larger part of the lake which connects to the area of waters now known as Georgian Bay.