The Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden Project Committee is pleased to announce the launch of Reconciliation: We are Beautiful Together, a campaign to raise awareness and funds for the completion of the Giche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden situated near the site of the original Nawash Village at Kelso Park. The campaign launch is on Indigenous People’s Day June 21st 2021.

“Reconciliation is about renewing a friendship between Indigenous and Settler people in our region” says committee chairperson Susan Staves. “We are building the Reconciliation Garden as a place of learning, truth, healing and sharing. Indigenous culture, history and tradition is visible and accessible for everyone. This campaign will connect us all and allow for the completion of the Garden this summer. We have already seen how important it is to have a place for people to grieve for the children who died at residential schools, recover from the trauma and pain, and build a different future. We have had such wonderful support from the City of Owen Sound, organizations and businesses and generous community donations so far. The We Are Beautiful Together campaign will allow for the completion of the Garden features, the installation of a wonderful commissioned sculpture Nookomis Gitche Name’ K’we (Grandmother Sturgeon) by Kathryn Corbiere, and let people know about the purpose and potential of the Giche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden."

The We Are Beautiful Together Campaign will run all summer from June 21st to September 21st and includes a fund raising campaign with a target of 50,000 for the completion of the Giche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden, as well as events at the site at Kelso Park over the summer, culminating with the installation of the Nookomis Gitche Name’ K’we sculpture and celebration in late September (date to be announced).

“The Giche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden is a very special and important place of reflection and learning for all peoples in our region. We are thankful for all the support.

Donations for the Giche Namewikwedong Reconciliation We Are Beautiful Together Campaign can be made through United Way Bruce Grey at: www.DonateToday.ca

source: media release, United Way Bruce Grey