The Saugeen Amphitheatre continues to rise from the rubble with a $500,000 donation from Kinectrics through Bruce Power’s Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Community Development Fund.
The restoration of one of the largest dry-stone projects in North America is breathing new life into a site of great historical and cultural significance. The Saugeen First Nation Creator’s Garden is nestled along the Saugeen River and has witnessed the protection of Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory by the Three Fires Confederacy, the signing of Treaty 72 (the Midnight Treaty), and generations of spiritual and cultural continuity.
“Kinectrics is proud to be supporting this important restoration project through the Community Development Fund,” said David Harris, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kinectrics. “This new amphitheatre will help bring this bright and vibrant community together and enable current and future generations to thrive.”
The vision for the renewed amphitheater and gardens is to create an outdoor space dedicated to the seven grandfather teachings — the Anishinaabe’s guiding principles that give people the tools to live a good life, passed down generation to generation for thousands of years. The teachings include: Love, truth, wisdom, humility, respect, courage and honesty.
Bruce Power created the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Community Development Fund this year to provide an opportunity for its supplier partners to invest in projects that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of both the Saugeen and Nawash communities.
“Bruce Power is very proud and happy to participate through this new community development fund to restore this type of place that has such historical significance,” said Eric Chassard, Bruce Power President and CEO. “We can share and celebrate our history and also preserve the past so that we can build a joint beautiful future for the next generation.”
The Saugeen Amphitheatre has been host to many important gatherings and events in the past, including weddings, and its ongoing restoration will allow it to once again be a cornerstone in the community, while also giving community members training in traditional masonry.
“Our community thanks Kinectrics and Bruce Power for this donation to help us restore the amphitheater and Creators Garden,” said Chief Conrad Ritchie, Saugeen First Nation. “This project will allow future generations to gather and enjoy this area that holds such cultural significance while learning vital teachings and skills.”
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and cancer-fighting medical isotopes around the world. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is a Canadian-owned partnership of TC Energy, OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of United Professionals. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
