Photographed at the awards ceremony are, from left, Glen James Kewaquom, Knowledge Keeper Saugeen First Nation; Lori Kewaquom, Advocacy for Healing Program Coordinator Saugeen First Nation; Chris Irvine, Exhibit & Graphic Designer, Bruce County Museum; Steve Hammell, Arran Elderslie Mayor and Museum Committee Chair; Mitch Twolan, Bruce County Warden; and Cathy McGirr, Museum & Cultural Services Director. Photo submitted

More than three years ago the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre (BCM&CC) and Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) began a journey to create a new space dedicated to showcasing local Indigenous heritage and culture.

In a BCM&CC media release, the “Anishnaabwe Endaat – Where We Live” exhibit opened in November 2018 and was created in collaboration with SON members, Saugeen First Nation and Neyaashiinigmiing, the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, to develop a new exhibition which shares the heritage of SON through artifacts and stories. 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," read the February 21 release. "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."

“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 Saugeen First Nation Advocacy for Healing Program Coordinator Lori Kewaquom.

“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," said Bruce County Warden Mitch Twolan.

The award was presented by Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell at an awards ceremony at Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario on February 20.

The “Anishnaabwe Endaat – Where We Live” exhibit opened in November 2018. Photo by John White