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The Gitche Name Wikwedong Reconciliation Garden is celebrating the arrival of Nookomis Gitche Name’ Kwe - Grandmother Sturgeon to the Reconciliation Garden at Kelso Beach Park.

This public art piece was commissioned by the Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden Committee. Anishinaabe-kwe artist/sculptor Kathryn Corbiere from M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island was selected from 15 submissions.

Kathryn’s beautiful sculpture brings to life the sacred presence and the teachings of Nookomis Gitche Name’ Kwe - Grandmother Sturgeon. At the Reconciliation Garden Nookomis Gitche Name’ Kwe swims from the symbolic stream bed toward Georgian Bay. The sturgeon has profound spiritual significance in the Anishinaabeg culture. According to the Creation Stories, Nookomis Gitche Name’ Kwe gave birth to the seven clans of the Anishinaabeg. Renowned for her longevity and wisdom, she knows where the fish of the Great Lakes feed and spawn, and where to find sacred medicines. Situated at the mouth of the Pottowatomi and Sydenham Rivers, she is the physical, cultural, and spiritual symbol of the Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden.

The Gitche Name Wikwedong Reconciliation Garden Committee welcomes the public for the installation of Nookomis Gitche Name’ Kwe - Grandmother Sturgeon on Saturday, October 2nd from 2:00 – 4:00 at Kelso Beach Park. There will be a ceremonial welcome with a Sacred Fire, the M’Wikwedong Singers and Drummers, and Prayers. Kathryn Corbiere will speak about her work and process.

The Garden Committee acknowledges financial support for the sculptures from the City of Owen Sound and Liane Regendanz, Michael Craig and Friends, the Owen Sound Transportation Company for providing passage for Kathryn and Grandmother Sturgeon on the Chi Cheemaun, and the many donors and supporters who have made the Garden possible.