We are honoured the Saugeen First Nation GZHE-MNIDOO GI-TA-GAAN (Creator’s Garden and Ampitheatre) Master Plan has been selected as one of the recipients for the Vision Award: Planning Process for OPPI’s PlanON Awards!
![A stone wall is being built in the middle of a field.](https://brookmcilroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0654-1024x768.jpg)
![An aerial view of a park with trees and bushes.](https://brookmcilroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/low-res-plan_socials-1024x446.jpg)
![An artist's rendering of a building in the woods.](https://brookmcilroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/200430-View-2-1024x576.jpg)
The Master Plan was prepared by Brook McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio in association with medicine plant educator Joseph Pitiwanakwat & Elder Duke Redbird guided by a series of community workshops & feasts held at the site. The Saugeen Amphitheatre has been an important destination for visitors to the Bruce-Grey area since it was built in the 1970s by the community. A strategy to revitalize the site is guided by a Master Plan that expands its role as a cultural centre based on Anishinaabek world views of land stewardship; sustainability; & the reclamation of Indigenous language & traditional knowledge. The Gardens, designed around a thematic interpretation of the 7 Grandfather Teachings, provides an inspiring setting for cultural reclamation.
![An artist's rendering of a park with people walking around.](https://brookmcilroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Scene-1_socials-1024x648.jpg)
![A group of people posing in front of a stone wall.](https://brookmcilroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/image-5.png)
![An artist's rendering of a building in the woods.](https://brookmcilroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/200430-View-4-1024x576.jpg)
![An artist's rendering of a building at night.](https://brookmcilroy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/200430-View-3-1024x576.jpg)
The Master Plan represents an important step in cultural and economic revitalization for the community. The project will assist in positioning Saugeen First Nation as a destination for visitors for concerts, theatre, conferences, and cultural celebration. The Master Plan has been previously recognized at other national-level awards. This includes the 2021 Healthy Communities Planning Award from CIP; the 2021 Planning and Analysis Award of Excellence from CSLA; and the 2022 National Urban Design Award – Urban Design Plans from RAIC.
The award will be presented tonight at OPPI’s conference in Ottawa: read more here.