Bruce Power supplier Kinectrics has donated $500,000 to the Saugeen Amphitheatre restoration project.
It’s the restoration of one of the largest drystone projects in North America.
David Harris, Kinectrics President and CEO says, “Kinectrics is proud to be supporting this important restoration project through the Community Development Fund,” adding, “This new amphitheatre will help bring this bright and vibrant community together and enable current and future generations to thrive.”
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.
The vision for the renewed amphitheatre 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.
Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie says in a statement, “Our community thanks Kinectrics and Bruce Power for this donation to help us restore the amphitheatre and Creators Garden,” adding, “This project will allow future generations to gather and enjoy this area that holds such cultural significance while learning vital teachings and skills.”
Bruce Power created the Saugeen Ojibway Nation 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 President and CEO Eric Chassard says in a statement, “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,” adding, “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.