Latest news with #Anishinaabemowin
5 days ago
- General
In Canada's largest city, a river returns to its roots
For about a century, Toronto's Don River (new window) has been hemmed in by the needs of a growing city. It flows through a valley that's better known for a crucial (and traffic-prone) highway that connects the suburbs to Toronto's downtown. The river's mouth, at Lake Ontario, is a wasteland of industrial facilities and port facilities, despite its prime location just east of the downtown core. That's set to change this weekend, with the public opening of part of a $1.4-billion restoration project at Toronto's port lands. Biidaasige Park (new window) , part of one of Canada's most ambitious ecological restoration projects (new window) , was driven by a push to renaturalize the Don River's mouth as a way to control floods and protect a giant mixed-use redevelopment effort in the area. It's really something to celebrate because the river has for so long been in a concrete box, said David O'Hara, manager of park design at the City of Toronto. And it's now free again and flowing through the kind of environment that it had flowed through for thousands of years before industrialization changed it. Biidaasige Park — pronounced Bee-daw-si-geh and meaning sunlight shining towards us in Anishinaabemowin — covers about 60 acres and is one of the largest and most complex parks in Toronto. It is on Ookwemin Minising (new window) (meaning "place of the black cherry trees"), an island that was newly created by carving out a more naturally meandering outlet for the Don River at the city's waterfront. The new outlet adds to the existing Keating Channel, which was built at the start of the 20th century. Back then, the Don's natural mouth was filled in, and its waters were diverted into the Keating. While the Keating was originally enough to contain the flow of water, development and other changes over time made the existing channel inadequate, according to Waterfront Toronto's chief planning and design officer, Chris Glaisek. The new, more natural outlet is actually designed to flood — allowing water to go over its banks and the river to do what it needs to do without causing too much damage and disruption, he said. That's something the original channel was not designed to do. It was designed to simply contain the water — and it's very tough to control nature, Glaisek said. Without renaturalizing the Don River and creating new ecosystems to absorb rising waters, the port lands and some surrounding neighbourhoods would be flooded during extreme weather events. Climate change is expected (new window) to make storms both more frequent and severe, increasing the risk of floods in the city. Planners expect all that land should now be safe from being inundated, and the city plans to build over 14,000 new housing units there. It isn't simply about ecology just for ecology's sake, but it's also to create a new type of community that will have a different relationship to nature … a more integrated way of living with nature in an urban environment, Glaisek said. While flood control is the primary goal of the project, the new river is also bringing species back to the area. Previous analyses (new window) have shown that densely populated southern Ontario is an important area for ecological restoration. Restoring natural ecosystems would bring the most benefits for local residents and threatened species by helping provide clean water, drain floods and reduce the severity of heat waves in cities. This is certainly a resiliency project, without a doubt, because the risk of these flash floods has only increased with time, with urbanization, with climate change, Glaisek said. The ecological impacts of the project are already being seen. We have a few new species of fish that have come back to the harbour that hadn't been seen here in 80 years, Glaisek said. Bald eagles are being spotted there, along with fish like smallmouth bass, bluegill (new window) and pumpkinseed (new window) . The park has been planted with native plant species from southern Ontario, including some seeds that were unearthed (new window) during the island's construction, like cattail and bulrush that were 100 years old. Many plants important to local Indigenous ceremonies and medicine are also in the park, like sweetgrass, sage and black cherry trees.. A lot of this will be seen for the first time as Torontonians visit the park for its opening celebrations this weekend. But perhaps the most remarkable sight will be the new Don River, flowing more freely into the lake for the first time in over a century. It looks like the mouth of the river has been there forever. It really is spectacular, O'Hara said.
Winnipeg Free Press
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Street names and recognizing public figures
Opinion 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,' William Shakespeare famously wrote in his play, Romeo and Juliet. The problem is, sometimes the bloom falls off the rose, and other times, the smell becomes something that isn't sweet at all. A year ago, Bishop Grandin Boulevard was renamed Abinojii Mikanah, a name that translates to 'children's way' in Anishinaabemowin. Bishop Grandin Trail became Awasisak Meskanôw — 'the children's road' in Ininimowin, or Cree, and Grandin Street, which runs from Taché Avenue to St. Joseph Street in St. Boniface became Taapweewin, which means 'truth' in Michif. Russell Wangersky / Free Press A street sign for Wolseley Avenue The name changes all came because of the recognition of the extent of Bishop Vital Grandin's troubling role in establishing residential schools. With that change in mind, it may well be a reckoning is coming for Wolseley the school, Wolseley the avenue, and maybe even Wolseley the neighbourhood — to cite just one other troubling name from the past. Wolseley School's parent council has looked at the possibility of changing the school's name, and the Winnipeg School Division has collected feedback on the idea, because the school is named after Col. Garnet Wolseley, who led a campaign of repression against Manitoba Métis. (Interestingly, the Manitoba Métis Federation has argued the name should stay, arguing that renaming landmarks and removing statues is a way of erasing a history of wrongdoing.) But one thing has arisen out of the renaming process that should also be considered by the city going forward. The WSD set renaming criteria for the Wolseley school that said prospective names 'should represent the neighbourhood and community; should connect to learning for the students' and 'must avoid the names of people.' The last one is an idea whose time may have come — avoiding the names of people. Because, more than anything else, people are complicated. Right now, the City of Winnipeg website devotes more than 300 words to explaining how it chooses to name a street after a person, saying that it wants 'to honour and commemorate noteworthy people associated with the city of Winnipeg.' That includes 'a person who demonstrates excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service in ways that bring special credit to the city of Winnipeg; a person who volunteers and gives extraordinary help or care to individuals, families or groups, or supports community services or humanitarian causes; a person who fosters equality and reduces discrimination' and even 'an early pioneer or group or settlers who have contributed to the development of the city.' The city is so keen on naming streets after worthy Winnipeggers that the $200 fee for adding a name to the suggested street name reserve list is waived 'for applications recognizing individuals.' But maybe streets shouldn't be named after people at all, because history is a long road, and our viewpoints — and our knowledge about the character and behaviour of people who may seem like great examples today — can change with the years and with new knowledge. We've certainly seen that here. It's been recognized in other places as well. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. St. John's, the capital of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, has taken the approach of changing its street naming policy this month to exclude naming streets after individuals. Simply put, it can be fraught with difficulties. 'Naming streets after people carries a number of risks,' St. John's Coun. Ron Ellsworth said during a June 17 council meeting, including ' problematic legacies, political polarization, disparity in representation and cultural marginalization.' The council vote in St. John's was unanimous, following the advice of the city's legal staff and the advice of the city's senior management. Maybe it's not an approach that will garner much support from Winnipeg's council. But maybe it's an idea whose time has come.
Winnipeg Free Press
23-06-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Opening day nears for south Winnipeg development Naawi-Oodena's first business
The first retail venture in the Naawi-Oodena urban economic development zone in south Winnipeg is fuelling up for opening day. Oodena Gas & Convenience will open to the public June 30. Representatives from the Treaty One Development Corp. held a soft opening event for the gas bar, located at 1871 Taylor Ave., on Monday. 'It's really exciting to finally be able to open up a business here,' said T1DC president and Sagkeeng First Nation Chief E.J. Fontaine. 'This is just the start.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Several guests and dignitaries get their photo taken at the soft opening of Oodena Gas & Convenience Monday, the very first business to open in south Winnipeg's Naawi-Oodena urban economic development zone. Naawi-Oodena, which means 'centre of the heart' or 'centre of our community,' is planned to eventually become a $1 billion-plus development across 109 acres of the former Kapyong barracks. It's owned by the seven First Nations who were signatories to Treaty 1 (in 1871), under the T1DC banner. T1DC chose to build Oodena Gas & Convenience first because many First Nations have experience developing gas bars and it's 'an easy win,' Fontaine said. 'We needed to get some cash flow into the development corporation,' he said. 'Now that (the gas bar is almost) open, we're really pleased with it. It's a nice store.' Ultimately, for Treaty 1 members, it's more than a gas bar, Fontaine said: it's the first step in transforming Naawi-Oodena into a vibrant economic hub. 'To us, it's a symbol of progress.' 'It's really exciting to finally be able to open up a business here … This is just the start.'–Sagkeeng First Nation Chief E.J. Fontaine Naawi-Oodena is the result of years of hard work by former and current First Nations leaders, noted Brokenhead Ojibway Chief Gordon BlueSky. The Treaty One Nations chairperson recalled attending a public discussion around a decade ago, at which some attendees voiced their uncertainty about the business park. 'I've seen that attitude change quite drastically,' BlueSky said. 'I think people are starting to understand here that First Nation prosperity isn't something to be fearful of. We've lived in oppression for far too long.' Naawi-Oodena allows First Nations people to shape how the land is used, how it generates income and how it serves the community, according to BlueSky. The gas bar is 'a very exciting first step for our nations and Treaty 1 community.' The internal design team that worked on the 2,450-square-foot gas bar wanted it to be an inviting space, said Ashley Peebles, Treaty One Nations design and development planner. The team incorporated wood elements to give the store warmth and signage is posted in the Anishinaabemowin language and English. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS From left, Chief David Meeches, Long Plain First Nation, Chief E.J. Fontaine Sagkeeng First Nation, Chief Trevor Prince, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, Chief Gordon Bluesky, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, and AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson inside the Oodena Gas & Convenience, Monday. A giant upside-down V frames the building's front entrance. 'It was meant to be a teepee, but also it could signify an arrow pointing up — pointing towards the sky, pointing north,' Peebles said. 'It's kind of open for interpretation.' Among the usual fare customers expect in a convenience store, Oodena carries a variety of products made in Manitoba. 'We have your typical Coke and Pepsi products … but we really want to push a lot of local and Indigenous-owned stuff here,' said Tyrell Courchene, store manager. Courchene added he's 'a bit nervous' about the gas bar's upcoming opening, but he's confident things will go well. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'It's exciting,' he said. 'We've got a good location here (and) we've got a good crew of people.' Twenty-five employees have been hired to support the store's operations, including two full-time supervisors. Per a news release, 96 per cent of the employees are First Nations members and 84 per cent are members of one of the seven Treaty 1 First Nations. The gas bar will be open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight to start, Courchene said, eventually moving to being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for July 25, and will kick off the fourth annual Anishinaabe Days event at Naawi-Oodena. The grand opening is open to the public and will include free food, cultural programming and voucher giveaways. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Treaty One leadership were on hand for the Soft Opening of Oodena Gas & Convenience, the very first business to open on Naawi-Oodena — a long-awaited development which has been over 20 years in the making. In the meantime, the first Naawi‑Oodena Seasonal Market will start operating Tuesday and continue bi-weekly on Tuesdays through the end of September. The market is designed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and artisans by offering a consistent venue for commerce and community engagement on the Naawi‑Oodena lands. Market hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and a selection of food trucks will be on site. Spending money at Indigenous businesses is a great way for the average Manitoban to practice reconciliation, BlueSky said. 'It's coming into our businesses (and) it's spending money in our facilities,' he said. 'The biggest step I believe is just supporting us.' T1DC and federal Crown corporation Canada Lands Co. are working together to develop Naawi‑Oodena. Treaty 1 First Nations are responsible for the development of 68 per cent of the land, which will be primarily commercial and institutional development. Canada Lands has the remaining 32 per cent, which will be primarily residential development. Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
22-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre unveiled
Kyra Wilson faced a steep learning curve when she became an entrepreneur four years ago. 'Within the first two years, I really learned what not to do as a business owner,' she said. 'If this entrepreneurship centre was here, then I would have been able to receive that support on what I should have done initially.' Wilson, now grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, relayed the story Wednesday morning during her remarks at the grand opening of the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre in Winnipeg. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press The Treaty One Development Corp.-created WTEC is Canada's first fully Indigenous-led business incubator. Its space on the fifth floor of the Wawanesa Building in Winnipeg is currently being renovated. It will temporarily operate out of the eight floor until work is done. An initiative of Treaty One Development Corp., the centre is Canada's first fully Indigenous-led business incubator. Indigenous people have many great ideas and entrepreneurial gifts, Wilson said. 'When we're supported and we're guided on that path then … many barriers are removed and we're able to be successful in that journey.' Located in Wawanesa Insurance's former executive office at 191 Broadway, the centre will be a place where Indigenous entrepreneurs can access capital, legal and financial guidance, mentorship, marketing support and business connections. During her remarks, Kathleen BlueSky, chief executive officer of both Treaty One Development Corp. and the new centre, noted the WTEC's proximity to The Forks. 'The first international trade centre in Canada and it was led by First Nations people,' she said. 'This really is about coming back to the roots of what economic development means from an Indigenous perspective and providing the resources, the supports, the partnerships for people to be successful.' The purpose of the centre is to support the next generation of business leaders, she added. 'It's a place that's built by us, for us and that is fundamental to empowerment and self-determination.' Wiitahnookiinitaw tahshkayzing are Anishinaabemowin words meaning 'working together to succeed' — a reminder of the strength that lies in community and collaboration, BlueSky said. In addition to the Winnipeg office, WTEC is setting up two satellite entrepreneurship hubs: one in southern Manitoba in Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation and the other in the North in collaboration with Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. WTEC will focus on working with Manitobans initially, BlueSky said, but the intent is to eventually make it available to entrepreneurs from across Canada. BlueSky anticipates the centre will work with 20 to 30 entrepreneurs in its first year, expanding to 100 or 200 'in the next couple of years.' WTEC is a collaboration between Treaty One Development Corp. and more than 15 government, academic and industry partners. The centre has received $750,000 in investments thus far from public and private sponsors, including $500,000 from the provincial government through its Indigenous Economic Development Fund. The Manitoba government is proud to support the centre and looks forward to the legacy it will create for generations to come, said Ian Bushie, minister of natural resources and Indigenous futures. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Kathleen BlueSky, CEO of Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre, Canada's first Indigenous-led entrepreneurship centre. 'Today is historic,' Bushie said. 'I'm not sharing any secrets when I talk about the economic horsepower in Indigenous communities because it truly is there.' The centre's partners include Wawanesa, which is contributing mentorship, networking support, programming collaboration, financial support and the use of its building. 'When we moved into our new headquarters just a few blocks away, we wanted to use this building to benefit our community and work with corporations and organizations to bring more people and teams downtown,' said Gord Dowhan, senior vice-president and chief financial officer at Wawanesa. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'There's no doubt in our minds that WTEC is the perfect fit to see this building transformed into a hub where Indigenous entrepreneurs can grow, connect and thrive in an incredible, meaningful way.' Other partners contributing financial support, programming collaboration and expertise include Red Leaf Capital, Deloitte, Bockstael Construction, the University of Manitoba's Asper School of Business and the Winnipeg Airports Authority. WTEC is currently renovating a 5,000-square-foot space on the fifth floor of 191 Broadway. Once completed, it will feature a boardroom, meeting room, open work area and offices where entrepreneurs can work and meet with advisers and mentors. Until the renovations are complete, the centre is temporarily located on the building's eighth floor. According to the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, more than 50,000 Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada contribute $31 billion to the country's gross domestic product annually. Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Snotty Nose Rez Kids & Aysanabee Headline Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining - A FREE Indigenous Music & Arts Festival in Downtown Toronto
MAY 30-31, 2025 SANKOFA SQUARE TORONTO, May 21, 2025 /CNW/ - With just over a week to go, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), in partnership with Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) and Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square), is thrilled to unveil the full lineup, schedule, and market details for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining: Indigenous Music & Arts Festival, taking place May 30 and 31, 2025, at Sankofa Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. Gifted the Anishinaabemowin name Kamamooshkaming (kah-ma-moosh-kaa-ming) Sagiiwehwining (sah-gee-way-winning) – meaning "Coming Together in a Good Way" – this FREE, all-ages festival brings together artists, musicians, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members for two days of performances, workshops, and celebration. On Friday, May 30, DWF will welcome schools and youth from across Toronto for a half-day of interactive learning and cultural connection, featuring special performances by DWF Artist Ambassadors. Students will explore various learning stations focused on Indigenous history, language, and culture. The educational experience will set the stage for a weekend of free public concerts, showcasing JUNO Award-winning artists alongside emerging and established Indigenous talent. Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining is funded in part by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). We are grateful to all of our partners and sponsors who have made this event possible, including Emerging Artist Sponsor OLG, Venue & Production Sponsor Sankofa Square, and ReconciliACTION Sponsors Metrolinx and PATTISON Outdoor. "We're honoured to once again collaborate with CMI and Sankofa Square to mark the beginning of Indigenous History Month with Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining. The festival is a powerful reminder of the role that music, art, and coming together can play in moving reconciliation forward. By centring Indigenous voices and experiences, we're strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and creating opportunities for everyone in Canada to learn, reflect, and connect." — Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund "Red Music Rising is so excited to play a role in Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining, alongside DWF, CMI and Sankofa Square. What a pleasure to have members of our roster among the incredible talent on offer this year. Chiimiigwetch to all the event partners, sponsors and artists – we can't wait to celebrate with you!" Matt Maw, President, Lead Artist Manager, Red Music Rising "Sankofa Square is delighted to be the gathering place for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining, a truly meaningful event that embodies the spirit of coming together in a good way. This festival resonates with our commitment to being a vibrant and inclusive public space, and we are proud to be one of the partners on this exciting initiative to showcase the incredible talent and rich culture of Indigenous artists." — Julian Sleath, General Manager, Sankofa Square Join us May 30–31 for Kamamooshkaming Sagiiwehwining at Sankofa Square – where we'll be coming together in a good way with music, art, and education. Visit for artist bios, vendor details, and more. GORD DOWNIE & CHANIE WENJACK FUND Holly Claeys Lead, Marketing and Communications [email protected] | 519-964-0393 ext. 10 CANADA'S MUSIC INCUBATOR Sara Gómez CMI Live Coordinator (and contact for interviews with Sebastian Gaskin) [email protected] SANKOFA SQUARE Marnie Grona Manager, Marketing and Communications [email protected] | 416-979-0060 ext. 125 PARTNER INFORMATION: ABOUT THE GORD DOWNIE AND CHANIE WENJACK FUND: Inspired by Chanie's story and Gord's call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada. ABOUT CANADA'S MUSIC INCUBATOR: Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) is a national not-for-profit organization specializing in professional development, live events, and ongoing mentorship for emerging artists, managers, and music companies. CMI curates live performance opportunities nationally to spotlight artists of all genres, with an emphasis on community, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. ABOUT SANKOFA SQUARE: Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) is a bustling gathering place for millions of visitors each year. Established in 2004, the Square hosts hundreds of diverse events, including community-based festivals, concerts, public art, and commercial experiences. The Square is an open space that welcomes everyone. It is managed by the Sankofa Square Board of Management, a City of Toronto agency. ABOUT FEDDEV ONTARIO: For nearly 16 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada's most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impact the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario's X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts
