More than three years ago the Museum and Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) began a journey to create a new space dedicated to showcasing local Indigenous heritage and culture. The “Anishnaabwe Endaat – Where We Live” exhibit opened in November 2018 and was created in collaboration with SON members (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation) to develop a new exhibition which shares the heritage of SON through artifacts and stories presented. The exhibition also creates a space for collaborative programming where SON members may share their heritage, talents and knowledge of Indigenous culture and values with visitors to the Museum.
The Museum is humbled to announce that this collaborative project has been recognized with the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional contributions to heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and cultural and natural heritage. The Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards celebrate individuals, groups and communities for their exceptional contributions to heritage conservation – cultural and natural, tangible and intangible.
The Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT) is an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. The Trust identifies, protects, promotes and conserves Ontario’s heritage. The Trust conserves provincially significant cultural and natural heritage, interprets Ontario’s history, educates Ontarians of its importance in our society, and celebrates the province’s diversity. The Trust envisions an Ontario where the places, landscapes, traditions and stories that embody our heritage are reflected, valued and conserved for future generations. The award was presented by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario at an awards ceremony at Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario on February 20.
“The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre has been the centre for history and heritage in the County for 65 years. The County of Bruce is very proud of our Museum. I would like to recognize and thank the Museum staff and the SON community members for all their work on this project.”, says Bruce County Warden, Mitch Twolan.
“Members of our community worked collaboratively with the Museum in the development of this exhibit, which represents our history in a broader environmental and cultural context and is something we can all take great pride in.” said Lori Kewaquom, Saugeen First Nation, Program Coordinator for Advocacy for Healing Program.
The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre receives over 25,000 visitors annually and provides a variety of programming, events, education programming and exhibitions for the public. “Anishnaabwe Endaat – Where We Live” exhibition is home to SON Cultural Demonstrations during July and August and special programming hosted in an interactive programming space highlighting the Seven Grandfather teachings and video interviews with local Knowledge Keepers.
“Anishnaabwe Endaat – Where We Live” received support from the Government of Canada (Canadian Cultural Spaces Fund and Museum Assistance Program), Bruce Power and Ontario Power Generation. For additional details on this exhibit, programs and events please visit www.brucemuseum.ca.
source: media release, Bruce County Museum
