The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority hosted the official opening of the Miskwaadesi Amphitheatre on Thursday, Sept. 19, according to a news release issued by NBMCA.
A special opening ceremony was hosted by NBIFC and NBMCA, with speakers including Kathy Fortin, NBIFC executive director, Maurice Switzer, NBIFC
Board president, Sandra Thorkelson, NBIFC cultural resources & communications, elder Evelyn McLeod, Robin Allen, NBMCA interim CAO, and Paula Loranger, NBMCA community relations coordinator.
"Miskwaadesi is a place of healing, where you can sit quietly, take in the sights and sounds, and feel the energy and care woven into its creation. From the beginning, this space has been filled with teachings and special energy, grounded by ceremony and guided by the wisdom of our Elders and Knowledge Keepers," said Fortin. "It’s a blessing to have such a significant Indigenous space close to the downtown core, offering a moment of peace and connection
to the land."
The Miskwaadesi Amphitheatre is situated near the new cul-de-sac off Fisher Street at Third Avenue East and Hammond Street, on the traditional territory of the Nbiising Anishnabeg. The flagpole on-site is where the Indigenous flag will be flown year-round, emphasizing the importance of creating urban Indigenous spaces, learning, and reconciliation in our cities.
“This initiative has brought many community members together and the NBMCA board and staff are proud to have worked with the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, the City of North Bay and sponsors and supporters to bring Miskwaadesi to life,” added the NBMCA's Allen.
The turtle is central to one of the Anishinabek creation stories. The muskrat sacrificed itself to bring the first handful of earth to form Turtle Island, and the turtle sacrificed himself to bear the weight of a new island to live on. We are forever grateful to these two heroes for this beautiful place to call home.
Thank you to all the individuals, businesses, organizations, and governments for helping bring Miskwaadesi to life.
Many donors and supporters, touched by the spirit of Miskwaadesi, saw her value and supported her creation, including Jean Larocque and his team at Larocque Elder Architects who took a concept and turned it into a vision. Algonquin Granite provided the beautiful materials that created Miskwaadesi and Canor supported the development of Miskwaadesi. Without them and the following supporters and donors, we wouldn’t be celebrating the grand opening. This
includes Stockfish Foundation, City of North Bay, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Rotary, DeLoyde Development Solutions, Creative Industries, Lilly & Sue Buckle, Canadore College, G&P Welding, Norgalv Ltd., North Bay Powder Coating and OCP Construction Supplies.
To learn more visit miskwaadesi.ca.
