NEWS RELEASE
WATERDOWN MUSEUM OF HOPE
*************************
In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the community of Waterdown is honoured to host the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Ogiima Kwe (Chief) Claire Sault for a series of dedication ceremonies on Friday, June 21.
The day will begin with the dedication of a new area within Waterdown’s Souharissen Natural Area at 10:45 a.m. The ceremony will feature the unveiling of Polishing the Chain, an art installation that highlights the Covenant Chain Treaty relationship, as well as the significant contributions of Nahnebahwequa
(1824-1860) and Emily C. General (1908-1991).
Following the Souharissen dedication, Ogiima Kwe and the Lieutenant Governor will attend a private reception in Waterdown. Their visit will continue at approximately 12:35 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 551, Waterdown. Here, the Lieutenant Governor will dedicate the new home of the Waterdown
Museum of Hope.
Among the notable attendees will be retired WDHS teacher Eugene Kahgee. The story of his father, Edison Kahgee, will be featured in the museum. Edison Kahgee, a member of the Saugeen First Nation, served as an army mechanic during World War II.
This event marks the culmination of efforts by WDHS Treaty Studies students who have collaborated with members of the Indigenous community, including the Mississaugas of the Credit. Their project focuses on an area of the Souharissen Natural Area known as “The Ponds,” exploring the role, composition, and impact
of storm management ponds as metaphors for the current state of Treaty relationships across Canada.
Students from the Waterdown Museum of Hope will be present to guide guests through the museum displays.
The community is warmly invited to attend both the Souharissen and Museum dedication, and the reception at the Waterdown Legion.
Event details:
- Date: Friday, June 21, 2024
- Souharissen Natural Area Dedication Ceremony: 10:45 a.m., 95 Riverwalk Dr., Waterdown
- Waterdown Museum of Hope, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 551 Visit: approximately 12:35 p.m., 79 Hamilton St. N., Waterdown
Website: www.waterdownmuseumofhope.ca
*************************
