Latest news with #CreditFirstNation
Cision Canada
08-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Therme Canada Unveils Updated Design for Ontario Place West Island
Family fun, public parks and inclusive wellness at the heart of a reimagined Toronto waterfront TORONTO, July 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Therme Canada today released the updated design for its landmark waterpark and wellness facility at Ontario Place, developed by world-renowned architecture firm Diamond Schmitt alongside Therme ARC, in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), STUDIO tla, and Trophic Design. The new vision redefines the relationship between people, place, and wellbeing — offering expansive public waterfront access, Indigenous-informed design, and immersive spaces for family-friendly recreation. The revitalized facility integrates 16 acres of publicly accessible parkland, walking trails, beaches, cultural gathering areas, and nature play zones along Toronto's western waterfront — all free and open year-round. At the heart of the site is Therme's innovative waterpark and wellness centre, where visitors can enjoy waterslides, but also thermal bathing, social saunas, pools, and relaxation areas inspired by global spa traditions. The site will also pay tribute to the original Ontario Place with a focus on families and inclusion by offering an entire area dedicated to family fun including joyful waterslides, wave pools and multiple food and beverage offerings – all set amongst botanical gardens. " Ontario Place has always been a place of connection — to land, to water, and to each other. This project is about honouring those connections through design that reflects Indigenous teachings, ecological stewardship, and community use." said Chief Claire Sault, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. " This design offers a globally inspired wellness experience that is also grounded in a distinctly Canadian identity and informed by the landscape of Ontario." said Gary McCluskie, Principal at Diamond Schmitt. " It blends nature and architecture in a way that makes the waterfront more inviting, inclusive, and alive. Every element of this design — from the pavilions to the plantings to the play spaces — invites people to connect, reflect, and share." "Our collaboration with Trophic Design on the West Island public park lands represents a holistic approach to landscape design that goes beyond aesthetics. By integrating universal design principles with indigenous consultation, ecological restoration and year-round programming, we've created a space that truly serves everyone in the community." said Jeffrey Craft, Partner and Managing Director STUDIO tla " Our approach to support MCFN's vision is to ensure Indigenous knowledge systems are authentically expressed through the West Island re-development. This partnership represents a fundamental shift toward Indigenous place-making principles. Together, we are helping to ensure Indigenous worldviews actively guide plant selection, spatial relationships, and storytelling approaches within the park, creating opportunities for all visitors to learn and connect with the land's true history." Terence Radford, Landscape Architect and Indigenous Consultant, Trophic Design " At Therme, we believe that wellbeing should be accessible, joyful, and culturally meaningful.," said Adam Vaughan, Senior Advisor at Therme Canada, " We are honoured to help shape a renewed Ontario Place — one that is open, welcoming, and transformative." Therme Canada's vision reflects a long-term commitment to collaboration with Indigenous communities and to listening to what Ontarians want, including ongoing consultation with MCFN and cultural knowledge holders.
Hamilton Spectator
03-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Celebrated poet Gimaa R. Stacey Laforme reflects on Grief, Hope, and Reconciliation
During National Indigenous History Month, residents were invited to join in a night of words and reflection by celebrated poet and storyteller Gimaa R. Stacey Laforme. The event, hosted by the Town of Caledon and IDEA Caledon, allowed attendees to gain insights into the power of poetry as art, as told by Laforme. Laforme, previously Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), has been serving his community for more than 20 years. Laforme shared poems from his books, Living in the Tall Grass and Love, Life, Loss, and a Little Bit of Hope: Poems from the Soul. His poetry collections invite non-Indigenous people to see through the eyes of Indigenous people, exploring topics such as peace and humanity, grief, trauma, and hope, while also drawing from his own life experiences. 'There's things within the books that I write that are about raising consciousness, not just living in the moment. Enjoy your moments, life is made up of moments. But we have an obligation to the future and you can't always meet that obligation by living in the moment,' shared Laforme. He began writing poetry in Grade 8, and after that, picked it back up after his mother passed when he was only 29. 'I don't know why I chose poetry, but I chose poetry instead of writing about it. And then from there, I just kept writing,' said Laforme. Laforme shared that he feels he can do good things more broadly through his work now than he could during his time as chief. 'I always felt constrained by the role of being a political leader in a First Nation because I always wanted to do more for more people,' said Laforme. 'I enjoy this side of it better, interacting with many different people from many different backgrounds.' 'One of the greatest things that we need to remember is we're all in this together,' shared Laforme. 'But sometimes we're asking the wrong questions. Because we're thinking of the moment. We're not thinking of the big picture. We should be asking those other questions, those hard questions. And that'll change the dynamic in how we see other people.' Standing at the front of the room, Laforme wore a red ribbon shirt with an eagle and ribbons along the back and sides. Red symbolizes missing and murdered indigenous women, the eagle represents one of the most important animals in the Anishinaabe indigenous world view, and the ribbons are a symbol of remembrance and support for Indigenous residential school survivors and those who did not return home. Laforme read his poem titled Reconciliation. 'I sit here crying I don't know why I didn't know the children I didn't know the parents But I knew their spirit I knew their love I know their loss I know their potential And I am overwhelmed By the pain and the hurt The pain of the families and friends The pain of an entire people Unable to protect them, to help them To comfort them, to love them I did not know them But the pain is so real, so personal I feel it in my core, my heart, my spirit I sit here crying and I am not ashamed I will cry for them, and the many others like them I will cry for you, I will cry for me I'll cry for the what could have been Then I will calm myself, smudge myself, offer prayers And know they are no longer in pain No longer do they hurt, they are at peace In time I will tell their story, I will educate society So their memory is not lost to this world And when I am asked what does Reconciliation mean to me I will say I want their lives back I want them to live, to soar I want to hear their laughter See their smiles Give me that And I'll grant you reconciliation.' 'We all know there were children left behind. But it's one thing to know that. It's another thing to have the TV come on and slap you right in the face with that information. I was sad. I was hurt. I was angry. I felt someone's love and sympathy for the family. And so, I sat down and wrote, Reconciliation,' he shared. 'Because these aren't just indigenous children. These are the children of this country. These are our children.' When people ask Laforme what they can do, whether by donating or raising awareness, Laforme tells them to get together with their community. 'Do something in your own backyard that means something to you, something that you won't forget.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
27-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
3 Burlington spaces to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture
In recognition of National Indigenous History Month in June, and National Indigenous Peoples' Day — which was celebrated June 21 , here are details of three spaces in the City of Burlington where all residents can learn about, reflect on, and celebrate Indigenous culture. The Healing Forest at Paletta Park was completed earlier this year, and features new signs along the existing loop trail at the Lake Ontario waterfront. It centres on a self-guided walk that helps connect with, and learn about, healing elements within the forest through Anishinaabe knowledge and language. Each trail sign includes information on local plants and birds, and a QR code to provide visitors with more information on their smartphone. The project was realized through collaboration of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the spirit of reconciliation, to develop a unique space for healing, community, and connection to nature. Local organizers partnered with Joseph Pitawanakwat of Creators Garden , National Healing Forests and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to complete the project. The City of Burlington provided $10,000 from its Community Matching Fund program to support the project in its 4280 Lakeshore Rd. park. Sweetgrass Park located at 565 Woodview Rd. has reopened following an improvement project that celebrates Indigenous culture, teachings and enhances community access to nature and learning. The revitalized park features a ceremonial circle designed for full moon and other traditional ceremonies and a contemplative area near Tuck Creek. Full moon ceremonies are anticipated to begin at Sweetgrass Park this fall. The project included natural stone seating known as 'wisdom' stones and sweetgrass plantings. The park features a new asphalt pathway connecting to Centennial Trail, surrounded by native tree plantings and pollinator perennials. Later this summer, two special custom benches are expected to be installed in the park to support the Moccasin Identifier Project , an Indigenous-led initiative increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous treaties and history across Canada. The City of Burlington received an anonymous donation that funded part of this project. The City of Burlington unveiled a mural and a dedicated Indigenous events space at Mountainside Recreation Centre ( 2205 Mt. Forest Dr. ) The community room's mural, 'Our Voices Carry the Land,' by Indigenous artist Tessa Lynne Chartrand, opened for public viewing on June 23 after a private unveiling June 22. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and the Mayor's Indigenous Advisory Circle, including Kate Dickson, WhiteEagle Stonefish, and Stephen Paquette, celebrated the mural's unveiling with a ceremony of reflection and celebration. The mural is inspired by the phrase 'All My Relations' and speaks to connections between people, land and all living beings. Featuring Mount Nemo, the piece honours the territory we stand on and invites reflection, inclusivity and unity. Community Room 2 is now serving as a priority venue for Indigenous ceremonies, gatherings, teachings, and outreach — free of charge for Halton Indigenous community members. While this renewed focus guides the room's purpose with priority booking for Halton's Indigenous community, the space will remain accessible for bookings and programming by everyone. For booking inquiries, visit the City of Burlington website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Hagersville buzzing as Ag Day revival nears
Organizers opted for a throwback to celebrate Hagersville's 150th birthday . Ag Day — a beloved agriculture-themed festival held annually in the rural Haldimand County town in the 1980s and '90s — returns on June 6 as the centrepiece of Hagersville's sesquicentennial celebration. In its heyday, Ag Day attracted thousands looking to learn about farming in a fun way. Last year, with residents anticipating the milestone anniversary and pining for Ag Day's return, chamber of commerce members Nancy Snyder and Lisa Mattice volunteered to lead the charge. 'Our vision from the start was this was a community-based, free, interactive event, with agriculture and history,' Snyder said. The duo were 'astounded' when more than 100 townsfolk stepped forward to help. 'And we need every single one of them,' Snyder said. The first Ag Day in more than 25 years starts at 11 a.m. Friday, which coincidentally is a day off for students in the region. 'That was a fluke, but a good fluke,' said Mattice, as kids can come with their families to get their faces painted, bounce on farm-themed inflatables, plant a corn seed to take home and try their hand at milking a mechanical cow. But the highlight, organizers predict, will be Barnyard Lane, when Alma Street is turned into a pedestrian-only zone filled with penned-in pigs, cattle, chickens, llamas, donkeys, horses and other farm animals. 'It's going to be like you've walked into a barnyard,' Snyder said, noting the animals will be in the shade and farmers will be on hand to keep an eye on them while chatting with passersby. Those passersby can watch calves be fed and sheep get sheared. 'It'll be pretty cool for the kids to see,' Snyder said. Steps from the cacophony, visitors can enjoy the sweet sound of local bands entertaining into the night at Sgt. Andrew Harnett Memorial Park, with a beer garden opening at 4 p.m. The live entertainment on the Hometown Hoedown stage starts at noon with a drum circle led by students from Lloyd S. King Elementary School on Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. A Hagersville 150 pennant hangs as part of a display outside a business in the Haldimand County town. Inside the farmers market building at Main and King streets are historical displays, artifacts, a model railroad and videos that show 'a glimpse of what's happened in Hagersville in 150 years,' Mattice said. Attendees can record their memories of the town for an oral history project led by Haldimand Museums and make their artistic mark on a paint-by-numbers aluminum canvas that will hang at Hagersville's future library. 'It's building a memory,' Mattice said of the community mural. The festival is meant to combine tradition with the future, a theme reflected in the Hagersville 150 logo, which incorporates the town's three main industries — wheat for farming, a railroad for transportation, and rock for gypsum and aggregate mining — and is shaped like a police badge in a nod to Hagersville's incorporation as a police village in 1875. Snyder and Mattice said they have been heartened by local businesses getting on board with sponsorship, decorating and promotions supporting good causes like the food bank and hospice. The organizers stress this will be a 'one and done' revival due to the logistical work involved, so everyone should come out and enjoy the nostalgic Ag Day fun while they have the chance. As the big day approaches, the people of Hagersville are busy sprucing up their town, adding artwork to store windows and decorations to front yards in expectation of a big turnout from Haldimand and beyond. 'This is small-town community coming together,' Snyder said proudly. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBC
02-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Canada agrees to $30-million advance payment for Mississaugas of Credit First Nation land claim
The federal government says it's making an advance payment of $30 million to Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as part of negotiations of the First Nation's treaty claim that involves nearly 11,000 acres of land in the Greater Toronto Area. Mississaugas of the Credit filed the claim in 2019, alleging that Canada failed to protect it''s interests in 1820 when the First Nation surrendered 10,940 acres of its reserve land covered by Treaties 22 and 23. The claim alleges that the land, which spans across modern day Mississauga and Oakville, was surrendered with the expectation that the government maintain it for the First Nation's benefit — which didn't happen. Instead, it was sold. That improper surrender has led to significant challenges for the First Nation, including displacement and economic hardships, said Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, at a news conference on Sunday in Toronto. "By no means does this resolve it, but it is very much a downpayment on what I believe we will resolve, hopefully in the near future," Anandasangaree said. The money will go directly to the First Nation, to be used as they see fit, he said. First Nation hasn't benefited from valuable land: chief The treaty land is some of the most valuable land in Canada, but the First Nation hasn't been able to benefit from it, said Chief Claire Sault of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. "Everybody benefited but us is the easiest way for me to say it," she said. "So it's long outstanding and about time that we've benefited, my nation benefited from it." Sault said the First Nation would like to establish an urban reserve in the Greater Toronto Area using the proceeds of the claim. "We haven't had our presence here like we should have, and we certainly want our presence back," she said. "We have a lot of urban First Nations across Canada. So, why not here?" The First Nation has been in negotiations with the federal government to resolve the claim since 2022. The advance payment indicates the federal government agrees with the First Nation's position, said former Ontario Court of Appeal Justice Harry LaForme, a member and knowledge keeper of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. "It says that, we do we owe you a final settlement here, we're going to work towards it, and here's an offer in good faith of a certain amount of money," he said. LaForme said he thinks the final settlement could be billions of dollars. "You have to understand, this is really, really valuable land." The Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister said he doesn't have a set timeline for when the claim will be resolved, but Sault said she's hopeful her community can reach an agreement with the government later this year or early next year.
