Paswewe De: Echoes of the Heartbeat Celebration Marks National Indigenous Peoples Day

Tammy Raycraft,
Bruce Peninsula Press

Public tours to Flowerpot Island paused June 21 as members of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation gathered for ceremonies marking National Indigenous Peoples Day during the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Environment Office’s Paswewe De: Echoes of the Heartbeat celebration.

The Indigenous-led gathering brought SON members together on culturally significant islands surrounding Tobermory for ceremony, drumming, a community feast and guided tours, highlighting the Nation’s enduring connection to its traditional territory.

Prior to the event, SON Environment Office Senior Manager Janet Galant said Flowerpot Island “holds significant meaning to our People” and described it as “deeply sacred,” adding that organizers were looking forward to holding ceremonies there on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Parks Canada staff, media and members of the public were invited to witness portions of the ceremonies from Mermaid’s Cove, where SON leadership provided remarks before a big drum ceremony carried across the waters toward the surrounding islands.

The event also highlighted collaboration between the SON Environment Office and Parks Canada in recognizing the cultural significance of the lands and waters within Fathom Five National Marine Park.

Founded in 2004 by the Joint Chiefs and Councils of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, the SON Environment Office works with organizations operating within SON Territory and supports efforts to protect lands, waters and natural resources throughout more than two million acres of traditional territory.

As ceremonies concluded, families, Elders and youth departed the islands after a day of drumming, teachings and shared meals, marking National Indigenous Peoples Day while strengthening connections to lands and waters that remain central to SON Anishinaabek culture, history and stewardship.