Garden River unveils arbour, community plan

May 22, 2013
Participating in the unveiling of a Community Arbour at Garden River First Nation and official launch of a Comprehensive Community Plan, from left: Chief Lyle Sayers, Garden River Economic Resource and Community Development Manager Darlene Solomon, Carrie Zeppa, Elder Millie Devoe, Elder Arlene Barry, and Sault College Director of Native Education, Carolyn Hepburn.
Participating in the unveiling of a Community Arbour at Garden River First Nation and official launch of a Comprehensive Community Plan, from left: Chief Lyle Sayers, Garden River Economic Resource and Community Development Manager Darlene Solomon, Carrie Zeppa, Elder Millie Devoe, Elder Arlene Barry, and Sault College Director of Native Education, Carolyn Hepburn.

GARDEN RIVER FN – The unveiling of a Community Arbour at a May 16th ceremony  also marked the introduction of this First Nation’s Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP).

The celebration took place at the Garden River Community Centre, where Chief Lyle Sayers addressed community members and special guests,

“This final CCP document will serve as an important resource to external government, companies and other communities, highlighting and showcasing Garden River First Nation for possible future economic investments.  Garden River has a lot of be proud of and this document captures key achievements as well as the direction the community wants to move towards.”

The First Nation began a partnership with Dalhousie University’s Cities and Environment Unit in October of 2011 and began community engagement with their citizens in the exploration and creation of a 20-year community plan. The Project was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs’ New Relationship Fund in the amount of $50,000, as well as a $50,000 contribution from The North Shore Tribal Council.

Grammy-nominated Drum Group, Bear Creek performed a song during the unveiling of the Community Arbour which was identified in the CCP as a collaborative project between Garden River and Sault College under the Northern Training Partnership Fund. The Arbour showcases the substantial amount of work that the community has put into the CCP and will be available to all community members for Traditional Wellness Purposes.

Following the ceremonies, Dalhousie University presented the CCP document to the participants and a feast was served. Urban Systems (Saskatoon) closed the celebration with a presentation of the First Nation’s Land Use Plan.

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs’ New Relationship Fund helps Aboriginal communities and organizations across Ontario participate in meaningful consultations with government and the private sector. (http://www.aboriginalaffairs.gov.on.ca)

For more information please contact:

Melissa Lesage, Marketing and Communications

Garden River First Nation

Telephone: 705-256-5413  E-mail: mlesage@gardenriver.org