Marker Tree at Harrison Park. (supplied image)
A dedication ceremony for a culturally significant tree at Harrison Park will be held later this month.
The City of Owen Sound and Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office are planning to host a Marker Tree dedication ceremony on Earth Day, which falls on April 22 annually.
A sugar maple tree — estimated to be 150 to 200 years old — located beside the river at Harrison Park is a marker tree which was bent by Anishinaabek peoples while it was still a sapling, to serve as a navigational guide.
According to a release from the city, marker trees were shaped to point towards important places such as trails, water sources, camping areas or ceremonial sites.
In Anishinaabemowin, marker trees are known as Ganawaajichigani‑mitigoog.
“The Harrison Park marker tree has long been recognized by members of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation as an important cultural landmark,” a release from the city explains. “In late 2025, the SON Environment Office requested the City’s support to help restore and protect the tree after signs of stress were observed due to soil compaction and nearby traffic. Restoration measures have since been implemented to help stabilize the tree and support its long‑term health, alongside the installation of interpretive signage to share its story with the public.”
The dedication ceremony on April 22 will provide an opportunity to learn more about the cultural signficance of marker trees.
“Marker trees are a living connection to Anishinaabek history, land-based knowledge, and cultural continuity. Protecting these vivifacts helps ensure the past, present and future for the Anishinaabek,” says SON Elder and knowledge holder Lenore Keeshig.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy: “This marker tree is a powerful reminder that Harrison Park is not only a place of recreation, but a place of deep history and meaning. We are grateful to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation for sharing their knowledge and for working with the city to protect this living artifact. Honouring and caring for this tree is an important step in recognizing the stories of this land and our shared responsibility to preserve them for future generations.”