A group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people have come together to create a ceremonial space and historical plaque in Riverside Park, Carleton Place. The project includes two granite slabs which will stand at the site’s entrance and a 3 x 4 plaque which will the story of Indigenous people who call this place home. An unveiling will take place once the plaque and the granite slabs have been installed. The Town of Carleton Place has approved the project and is providing material support, such as supplying the rock which will carry the sacred fire bowl and coordinating some of the elements of this great project. The first ceremony took place on June 21st National Indigenous People’s Day in 2022. Lanark Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation were very glad to be able to provide initial support for this vital initiative and very excited to see the creative development of the site as well as the powerful events being held there.
The Plaque
The Misi Zibi Mamidosewin planning committee is working on developing an installation at Riverside Park that will acknowledge both the past and presence of the Anishinaabe peoples and the unceded land on which we live, play and work.
The project is in development with local Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, the Town of Carleton Place and the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum. Watch for more details and a public meeting as this develops.
See below:
Misi Zibi Mamidosewin (The Gathering Place)
The Town of Carleton Place and the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum are working in collaboration with local Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons to develop an impressive stone installation at Riverside Park.
The park is nestled on the shores of the Mississippi River and is on the unceded land of the Anishinaabe people who lived here before all others. (unceded means land that has never been treatied or surrendered)
The Mississippi River has long been a travel and trade route for the Anishinaabe people and this installation will demonstrate their history in Carleton Place along with a sharing of cultural teachings.
The Four Directions Stone Pillars: In the park by the walking path four vertically arranged natural stone pillars will stand approximately 6-7 feet tall each facing a cardinal direction. An engraved image of the bird or animal representing that direction will appear at the top of each pillar. Engraved beneath the images will be the Anishinaabe name and the English translation.
The height of the pillars invites a sense of reverence in having to look up to the animals relevant to the direction they are facing. Through Indigenous ways of knowing we recognize that the animals are closer to the Creator of our understanding than human beings are, because they are still connected to the harmony required to live naturally in the world without causing harm. So we look up to them.
In the proposed design 2 paddles will be on each pillar. One paddle will be standing up and the other facing downwards. The significance of the paddles indicates that when raised, we are all resting and gathering strength. The downward paddle symbolizes that we are all paddling and moving forward together in unison. The paddles are also a historic nod to the trade and travel route that is the Mississippi River.
Along the walking path and beside the river a large plaque will be installed to further explain the history of the first peoples of Carleton Place, and their life along the Misi Zibi River.
Metis artist Colleen Gray has kindly donated her artistic talents and cultural knowledge for this project and her artwork will be represented on the pillars and the map.
The committee is in the planning phase of this installation and is currently looking for community sponsors to help with the related costs of this project. Currently we do not have a completion date but hope to have the installation completed before June 2025.
To make a donation towards the development of the Misi Zibi Mamidosewin project you can drop off a cheque at the Town Hall, payable to the Town of Carleton Place, or send an e-transfer to treasury@carletonplace.ca.
** Be sure to include “4 Directions” on your donation**
Tax receipts can be issued on request for donations over $25.00
For more information on the project please contact 4DirectionsCP@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084062040694
Mississippi Mills All My Relations: mmallmyrelations.ca and https://www.facebook.com/MMAllMyRelations
