Bronze partners survey Huronia
By Sharon Weatherall
MINESING, Ont. – A life-sized bronze image of a First Nations guide and European trader carrying a canoe has been unveiled in Simcoe County to symbolize the historic relationship of two cultures key to Canada’s development.
The Simcoe County Museum will be a temporary home for the sculpture, which has been titled “Wiidookdaadiwin”, an Anishinaabemowin word meaning “working together and helping one another”. It will eventually be relocated to the Huronia Lookout, a hilltop on George Johnson Road that overlooks numerous First Nations village sites and trade and travel routes that were used for thousands of years by people indigenous to the area.
“For us to grow in a respectful manner as separate and distinct peoples, the need to work together in a cooperative manner is essential,” says Bill Jamieson, an Elder from Beausoleil First Nation speaking on behalf of the Chippewa Tri-Council alliance of his community and Rama and Georgina Island First Nations.”The sculpture chosen to be the symbol of Huronia Lookout not only portrays that good working relationship but also suggests support, cooperation and teamwork.”
Jamieson says the sculpture represents ten years of planning after a representative from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority approached the three First Nation councils asking if they would be interested in joining a committee to create a lookout tower overlooking such landmarks as the Minesing Wetlands, Nottawasaga River, Niagara Escarpment, Collingwood, Georgian Bay and other parts of the region known as Huronia. Friends of the Huronia Lookout Committee was formed and is comprised of The Chippewa Tri-Council, three Barrie-area Rotary Clubs, Friends of the Minesing Wetland, Friends of the Historic Fort Willow, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, The Township of Springwater and County of Simcoe.
Tri-Council Chiefs and Simcoe County Warden Cal Patterson were among those attending the June 16 unveiling, which featured the singing of “O Canada” in Ojibway by students from Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School.
Beausoleil Chief Roland Monague acknowledged the importance of the Eagle staffs of the Chippewa Tri-Council in everyday decisions of the communities, as well as how they symbolize ancestors.
“When we pray every day we take direction of the Eagle staff and governing body. It is great to see the icon look out at Snow Valley; it is what our people do — look out. Our story is starting to be told and we are starting to make our mark by all working together.”
Marlene Hilton Moore used the “lost wax process” to create the $450,000 sculpture, half of which was financed by Heritage Canada.
“I had to go inside of myself to create what will hold forever the words,” the artist said, referring to the project’s vision to create “a gathering place for residents and visitors to learn, understand and celebrate our heritage and culture, economy, environment and recreation.”
Bill Jamieson said a platinum coin has been struck to commemorate the unveiling event.