NEWS RELEASE COUNTY OF WELLINGTON
ABOYNE – The County of Wellington has unveiled new signage at the Indigenous Gathering Circle on the Wellington Place campus, making Indigenous languages a visible part of the public landscape along one of the region’s busiest recreational trails.
Led by Wellington County’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) and made possible with funding from Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4), the signage project includes two gateway signs explaining the purpose and meaning of the Indigenous Gathering Circle, and 20 signs identifying medicinal and native plants grown in the space.
Representing the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples historically present in the area, the signs are written in Anishinaabemowin and Kanien’kéha, respectively, as well as English.
Indigenous language speakers from Wiikwemkoong First Nation, Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation, and Akwesasne were consulted and Knowledge Keepers and Elders were provided with honourariums for their time and expertise.
“The Indigenous Gathering Circle is a symbol of relationship building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the region and a visible, physical commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous cultural presence,” said Colleen Brunelle, IAC Committee Chair. “These signs increase the visibility of the space and provides public education about Indigenous culture and traditional land use.
