Saugeen First Nation will be hosting Endaayaang (Our Home), a celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 at various venues in Saugeen First Nation and Saugeen Shores.
In a June 8 Saugeen First Nation media release, community members and visitors to the region, and the media are invited to attend the day’s activities which include a mini pow-wow, traditional feast, and friendship walk. Afternoon programming will feature students from GC Huston Public School showcasing their art during the Bimaadiziwin Door Tour, as well as the unveiling of the newly-named Zgaa-biig-ni-gan bridge from Saugeen to Southampton. The name, which translates to “we are connected,” was developed by students with Elders from Saugeen.
The celebration intends to support relationship-building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the region. “We are very pleased to invite the public to learn about Anishinaabe culture and traditions, but also to learn more about our community,” said Chief Lester Anoquot. “The re-naming of the bridge from Saugeen to Southampton, with the focus on connection and friendship, is an important part of this effort. I want to congratulate the students and teachers of GC Huston for their hard work.”
Lori Kewaquom, Coordinator of Saugeen’s Cultural and Wellness program and one of the organizers of Endaayaang, remarked, “As Anishinaabe people, our culture and teachings are what makes us who we are. We’re happy to be able to celebrate and share that with the surrounding communities on this significant day.”
Endaayaang is organized in partnership with the Saugeen Wesley Fundraising Committee, Bruce Power, RTO7, GC Huston Public School, and Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre. A trolley service will be travelling between Saugeen First Nation and Saugeen Shores throughout the day, sponsored by the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce. Evening fireworks are sponsored in part by Bruce Power.
Click here for full list of events.
See: Bridge naming celebration in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples Day June 21
