Saugeen First Nation and organizers of the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation's (SMHF) Gran Fondo Lake Huron are working together to bring Anishnaabe culture to the cycling fundraiser. Pictured at the James Mason Memorial Culture & Recreation Centre are, from left, SMHF Executive Director Sally Kidson with Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot, SMHF Chair Jim Barbour and Gran Fondo cyclist Christine John, August 9.

Hub Staff

A traditional Sunrise Ceremony will kick off the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation's (SMHF) inaugural Gran Fondo on August 19 at Southampton’s Pioneer Park as SMHF has teamed up with community members from Saugeen First Nation to incorporate Anishnaabe culture into the cycling fundraiser that is expected to see over 500 cyclist take part.

The ceremony will take place at 6:30 a.m. ahead of the event's first ride, the 160 km (100 mile) "Bruce County Bucket List" which currently boasts over 70 riders. The James Mason Memorial Culture & Recreation Centre will also provide fuel to riders as it will be one of four rest stops.

“We’re bridging the cultures,” said Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot August 9. "Everyone is included in the event," he added.

Sally Kidson Executive Director with the hospital foundation said that final plans of the Gran Fondo are coming together. "It's been a really wonderful experience to work with the folks here at Saugeen First Nation and I personally feel very grateful that our cyclists are going to have the blessing of the first people who lived on this land.”