Garden River FN and SSM celebrate successful Cultural Competency Initiative and upcoming Wampum Belt
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Garden River First Nation is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our Cultural Competency project, made possible through the Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiative funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage. This initiative has fostered deeper relationships and enhanced understanding between Garden River First Nation and our valued partners in Sault Ste. Marie.
Through this project, we planned and delivered a comprehensive set of cultural competency workshops tailored for both Garden River First Nation and Sault Ste. Marie staff and leadership. The program has proven to be a pivotal step in strengthening our collaboration and deepening mutual respect and understanding.
We will be sharing a highlight video of these events with the City of Sault Ste. Marie and will also disseminate it across our social media channels and website. We invite the community to view the video and witness the impactful outcomes of this significant initiative.
We are also excited to announce an upcoming highlight event: a Wampum Belt Ceremony, scheduled for September 30th at the Garden River Community Centre. This significant ceremony will feature the exchange of a wampum belt and gifts between Chief Bell and Mayor Shoemaker, symbolizing the strong bond and mutual respect between our communities. The event will be attended by staff and leadership from both Garden River First Nation and Sault Ste. Marie, as well as community members from both communities.
The ceremony will be capped off with a feast, celebrating the enduring partnership and collaborative spirit that has flourished through our shared efforts.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and participated in these groundbreaking events. Your involvement has been instrumental in fostering a growing relationship with Sault Ste. Marie and advancing our collective goals.
Wampum Belt Ceremony Details:
Date: September 30th, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Garden River Community Centre
Event Highlights: Exchange of wampum belt and gifts between Chief Bell and Mayor Shoemaker, attended by staff and leadership from both communities, and a celebratory feast.
On September 30th, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we will mark a historic moment with a Wampum Belt Ceremony at the Garden River Community Centre. This ceremony symbolizes the strong and respectful bond between Garden River First Nation and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, a bond strengthened through our recent CEDI partnership and our Cultural Competency Initiative.
The exchange of the Wampum Belt and gifts between Mayor Shoemaker and myself will highlight our deepening relationship and shared commitment. We look forward to celebrating this significant occasion with our communities and honoring the spirit of collaboration that has flourished between us.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support has been crucial in advancing our shared goals and fostering mutual respect.
"The relationship between the City of Sault Ste. Marie and our neighbours at Garden River First Nation has never been stronger," said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.
"With a federally-funded Community Economic Development Initiative underway, cultural competency training recently undertaken, and both councils and staff working together on projects of mutual benefit, we are creating a future where our communities can thrive together. By honoring the land and working collaboratively, we’re laying the foundation for a partnership that will ensure the well-being and prosperity of our communities for generations to come. To re-confirm this relationship, I am deeply honoured to take part in a Wampum Belt ceremony with Chief Bell on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation."