Two Peterborough-based organizations are working together to bring a new space to the city that caters to the urban Indigenous population’s need for access to traditional spaces and resources.
The Nogojiwanong Urban Indigenous Working Group (UIWG), in partnership with the Trent Society of Architects (TSA), is conducting a community-wide survey to better understand the needs and priorities of the urban Indigenous community in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough.
“Historically for Indigenous people, it’s been illegal to practise our culture and to speak our language,” Mshkiki Gitigaan Kwe (Katelyn Brennan) told kawarthaNOW. “Now, we’re trying to revitalize a lot of these things.”
UIWG is a collaborative organization with representatives from the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, Peterborough Community Health Centre, Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association, Lakelands Public Health, City of Peterborough, Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle, and members of the community.
Established in 1985, TSA is a non-profit volunteer-based organization comprised of licensed architects, architectural technologists, and members of the community interested in architecture and urban issues.
Part of the work of UIWG is to consult with community organizations, businesses, and other corporations regarding their current reconciliation practices and to provide guidance on how to further their actions.
Gitigaan said that UIWG heard a presentation from the TSA that included a proposal to work together on developing a space that could accommodate traditional Indigenous activities and events.
In particular, the focus is to provide urban Indigenous people with the same level of access that people living on reserves have to traditional spaces, she added.
“There’s access on reserve to a lot of these spaces, but for the urban Indigenous community who might not live on reserve but in town, it’s important that they have the opportunity to access some of these cultural pieces,” said Gitigaan.
With the support of a $5,000 grant from the Ontario Association of Architects, the two groups are starting the consultation and development process with a community survey to assess current areas of need.
The survey will explore what is currently working well, where gaps or challenges exist, and opportunities that could be leveraged to better support cultural connection, community, gathering, and wellbeing.
“By listening to the experiences and perspectives of the community, the UIWG hopes to identify key themes and priorities that can help inform a path forward,” posted Gitigaan on Facebook.
“This may include exploring an architectural project, program, or other community initiatives. At this stage, there are no predetermined outcomes or project types.”
The survey provides suggestions on the type of spaces that people may want in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough, including indoor gathering space, outdoor gathering space, Wigwam, lodge, arbour or sheltered outdoor space, sacred fire space, garden or growing space, space for arts, crafts, or making, kitchen or food-sharing space, youth space, and space for Elders and knowledge sharing.
Gitigaan said that one example of the lack of access to traditional spaces is the limited options on where people can host a sacred fire.
She noted that although Trent University does provide space there is often lots of red tape, creating an inaccessible system.
In addition, the survey asks questions such as “What helps you feel connected to the Land and/or Community?” and “What spaces do you currently use to connect with community, culture, or the Land? And what do you value about them?” to assess current strengths and weakness.
Speaking to the importance of the project, Gitigaan said that connection to culture and traditional practices are essential for Indigenous people, especially those in urban communities who may feel disconnected from their culture.
“We look at culture as healing, and there’s so much healing that needs to occur to build that community, and to build ourselves up spiritually, emotionally, and holistically,” Gitigaan said.
Residents can participate by completing the online survey.
