Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism has launched a new tourism campaign, based on Indigenous teachings, that encourages both residents and visitors to respect the land, waterways, and communities of the region.
Developed in consultation with Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation and drawing on the traditional teachings of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg, the “O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge” is about respect — “respect for the land, for each other, and for those who will come after us”, according to a media release from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism.
“If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s the power of unity, of working together for a mutual cause,” says Tracie Bertrand, director of tourism for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the offical destination marketing organization for the city and county of Peterborough.
“Respect for the people, culture, and natural spaces we depend on, for future generations — for each other — has never been more important, and the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is meant to unify everyone for whom Peterborough & the Kawarthas lives within their hearts,” Bertrand adds.
Pronounced “Oh-da Pee-tah-na-mawn”, the Ojibway word for respect, the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge comes from the Indigenous teaching of “mnaadendamowin” to give respect to all creation.
The pledge is as follows:
- I pledge to be light on the land and wise on the water.
- I’ll explore my surroundings with an open heart, ask for help when I need it, and be kind to strangers.
- Before starting my day, I’ll gear up, make a game plan, and get wind of the weather.
- I’ll remember my miigwech’s, thank-you’s, and merci’s.
- With every new season, I’ll seek fresh experiences and flavours, trails, and friends.
- I’ll place safety before sport when pedalling, paddling, parking, or power boating.
- Be it bison, baked goods, or a crafty brew, I’ll buy local where I can.
- I’ll greet new cultures and traditional teachings with curiosity, kindness, and compassion .
- After feeding my soul with authentic adventures, I’ll take fond memories with me and leave nothing but footprints behind.
VIDEO: The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge: Peterborough & the Kawarthas
The people of Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation believe that because everything is connected, everyone must do their part.
For more information and to take the pledge, visit thekawarthas.ca/pledge/.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism is encouraging everyone to take the pledge and share it with friends and family via social media using the hashtag #OdePiitaanemaanPledge, with a goal of reaching more than 500 pledges by the end of the year.
