Nogojiwanong Project – Interpretive Panels

Peterborough, ON – A series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples were unveiled on November 8, 2019 at a new gathering space in Millennium Park next to the Trans Canada Trail.

Nogojiwanong is an Anishinaabe word meaning “place at the foot of the rapids” and the name given to the gathering place at the bottom of a turbulent stretch of the Otonabee River, renamed Peterborough by European settlers.

The Nogojiwanong Project is collaboration undertaken in the spirit of kinship between local First Nations, Indigenous peoples and the City of Peterborough in recognition of the 200^th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20 – the agreement between the Michi Saagiig peoples and the British Crown that made it possible for Europeans to settle in this region.

“From a dilapidated sign in the park, it has been quite a transition to this new educational feature. A wonderful partnership between the Michi Saagiig and the City of Peterborough," said Tom Cowie of Hiawatha First Nation.

Millennium Park on the western shoreline of the Otonabee River is the site of the trailhead to the Chemong Portage – a six- or seven-mile historic footpath between the Otonabee River and Chemong Lake, the route that the Michi Saagig navigated between their winter camps and fishing grounds for thousands of years.

“We have always known this area as the Traditional Territory of the Michi Saagiig Peoples and as Treaty 20 lands. What is honourable is to have our Territory and Treaty recognized by the City of Peterborough and its residents. This is a true step towards reconciliation that is being worked on by the City of Peterborough,” remarked Chief Laurie Carr, Hiawatha First Nation. “Chi-Miigwetch to the City and First Nation Representatives who were dedicated to see this project through to completion!”

“These interpretive panels will help inform our community about the history of this area as the Traditional Territory of the Michi Saagiig Peoples and Treaty 20 lands,” said Mayor Diane Therrien. “It was an honour for the City to collaborate with representatives from Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, and the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre on this project."

This information is also on our City of Peterborough website at www.peterborough.ca.

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For further information, members of the media are invited to contact the undersigned:

Wendy Trusler, Public Art Facilitator

Community Services Department

City of Peterborough

705-742-7777 ext. 1445