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!
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.
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.