Celebrations marking Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017 will be in place across Grey & Bruce Counties and First Nations thanks to grants from Community Foundation Grey Bruce and Community Foundations of Canada.
A total of $50,000 was distributed on Tuesday, December 13th to ten projects which encourage community participation, inspire a deeper understanding of the people, places and events that have shaped our country, and build vibrant and healthy communities.
Grants were awarded to the following:
1. The History of the Nawash
The Maadooki Senior's Group, in collaboration with the local Canadian Federation of University Women, will craft Polly Keeshig-Tobias's book "The Illustrated History of Chippewa's of Nawash" into a play. This play will be presented throughout the year with performances in multiple locations and schools throughout the counties. The play will be video taped, archived and become part of the curriculum within the schools for years to come. The play will educate and inform our community through sharing the language and culture of the First Nations and bring together our Local First Nations and non-Aboriginal communities. This event will also be documented and shared within the Book of Celebration housed in Ottawa. Grant: $10,000
2. Niimaywikwedong Reconciliation Garden
Several organizations have partnered with the Great Lakes Metis Council to execute this project: The United Way Bruce Grey, the City of Owen Sound, St. George's Anglican Church, Grey Roots Museum and the Ginger Press. The project will include not only an indigenous plant garden but also art and historical installations. It will provide community members and visitors the opportunity to pause, learn, and reflect upon reconciliation and the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibwa Nation. Grant: $10,000
3. Blue Mountain Year of Canada Celebrations
This year-long celebration will be presented by the Blue Mountain Public Library. Monthly themes will mark the milestones and growth of the many different, small communities that are a part of the Blue Mountain area. It is expected that visitors, community members, and library clients will be excited and educated by these monthly presentations—ranging from the cultural arts, history, environment, to multi-culturalism, and more. Especially of interest is one of the first upcoming monthly exhibits entitled "Champlain's Footsteps". Grant: $5,000
4. The Poets Laureate
The Owen Sound Poet Laureate Advisory Committee, in partnership with Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation, will be creating and performing their Legacy Project entitled "Metissage". The name "Metissage" suggests the diversity and inclusivity of the multiple roots, the identities and the diverse nature of Owen Sound community. This artistic performance will include a collection of poems, songs, indigenous drumming, spoken word and live projections. The many untold stories of the First Nations, Metis, Black, and other working class people will be highlighted, as it is these people who are often omitted from the history books. Grant: $2,000
5. Walking Tour Towards Truth and Reconciliation in Brooke
The First United Church, along with the Metis Centre, The Nikaanaganaa Centre and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, strongly agree that "Walking is Medicine". The project will develop a walking tour of the significant Indigenous locations within the Owen Sound area known as Brooke with audio story-telling stops recounting the history of the area. It is this story-telling that has been the traditional method of communicating history throughout the years. Sculptural markers and printed pamphlets will also be a part of this unique educational project. Grant: $4,000
6. Home in a Distant Land
The Grey Bruce Chinese Heritage and Culture Association will honour Canada's rich cultural diversity and history highlighting the impact of our region's Chinese Heritage. This project comprises of a travelling display focusing on the 130 years of local Chinese presence in the area, and workshops and displays within our local schools. These segments will strengthen the understanding of Chinese heritage in the local area. Grant: $7,500
7. Historical Dinner and County Cultural Variety Show in Meaford
Grey County Historical Society is collaborating with the Thornbury, Owen Sound and Meaford Community Theatres on this project. A Variety Show will be presented at the Meaford Hall Opera House celebrating, with the use of short vignettes, the cultural and deep history of Grey County over the past 150 years. Through the use of song, dance, readings, comedy and drama, attendees will gain an understanding of who exactly shaped and made a difference in forming our portion of Canada including Early Settlers, Black and Indigenous Peoples' History. Grant: $2,000
8. Come Celebrate in Brockton
A two-day Festival Celebrating the heritage of Brockton and area is planned by the Cargill and District Community Fund and assisted by many Brockton partners—the Cargill Masonic Lodge, the Rotary Club, Chepstow Lion's Club, the Power Workers Union, the Bruce County Heritage Association and hundreds of volunteers! The event will begin with historical displays, both local and provincial history, artists and music celebrating and bringing together youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, as well as our Indigenous, Francophone and multicultural peoples. Activities over the two days will celebrate the spirit of diversity, access and inclusion. Grant: $2,500
9. Earth Film Festival in Owen Sound
The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority will present an exciting Sesquicentennial Event, a Youth Day featuring
films, cultural demonstrations and displays, all intended to inspire one's true natural spirit. The event will highlight the nation's natural treasures, natural history and landscapes as well as focus on the traditions and place in history of our First Nations. An extensive use of Canada's already-produced Nature Films and local First Nations Cultural Displays will comprise the backbone of this event. Youth will be participating in this incredible event, as in many ways, they are the custodians of the future environment. Grant: $2,000
10. Point Clark Lighthouse Canada Day Festival
A collaboration of the Township of Huron-Kinloss, the Huron Shore's Lion's Club and Hawk Theatre will be present a dinner theatre event on the eve of Canada's Birthday. The theatre event, which will include young performers, will show the history and contribution of the area in shaping today's society. Additional events are planned for the July 1st Birthday – tours of the Lighthouse, crafts, games, music and fireworks inviting all to be part of their great community and build upon already strong ties. Grant: $5,000
Established in 1994, Community Foundation Grey Bruce builds community vitality now and for future generations by encouraging endowment building and facilitating philanthropic partnerships within Grey and Bruce Counties. The Foundation provides grants to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations that, in turn, provide necessary initiatives and services for the people of this region. Community Foundation Grey Bruce also provides leadership in identifying and convening discussion around community issues.