NEWS RELEASE
GRANDBRIDGE ENERGY
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In honour of National Indigenous People’s Month, GrandBridge Energy is proud continue its partnership with the Woodland Cultural Centre in a collaborative effort to support Truth and Reconciliation.
GrandBridge Energy delivered Truth and Reconciliation Awareness sessions to all employees in early June as part of the organization’s commitment to truth and reconciliation and building positive relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
The training was facilitated by Chris Ashkewe, Associate Director of Woodland Cultural Centre, and provided employees with an opportunity to learn about Indigenous history and the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. The Truth & Reconciliation sessions were even more meaningful as they were scheduled to coincide with National Indigenous History Month and took place just prior to National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is recognized annually on June 21.
The Woodland Cultural Centre has been operating for 50 years and manages the former Mohawk Institute, Canada’s only remaining Residential School open to the public, and operates an Indigenous Museum and Art Gallery.
“We are honored to collaborate with the Woodland Cultural Centre,” said Sarah Hughes, President and CEO of GrandBridge Energy. The partnership between GrandBridge Energy and Woodland Cultural Centre is part of our commitment to supporting the important work of Truth and Reconciliation and aligns with our strategic goal to enable community ambitions.”
GrandBridge Energy’s partnership with Woodland Cultural Centre is helping foster a greater understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and histories. The partnership began in the fall of 2023, when GrandBridge Energy’s entire Management Team and Board of Directors took part in a Truth & Reconciliation education session and visited the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, which is located within the utility’s service territory. The visit included an impactful tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School and a walk through the Woodland Museum to learn about Indigenous history and view beautiful works art.
“GrandBridge Energy employees and Board members have a greater understanding of the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation and the shared actions that we can all take towards true reconciliation thanks to the educational and impactful sessions delivered by Chris Ashkewe, Associate Director of Woodland Cultural Centre,“ said Sarah Hughes, President and CEO, GrandBridge Energy.
”Woodland Cultural Centre is extremely grateful for the support of GrandBridge Energy. We have developed a strong, mutually beneficial partnership that supports Truth and Reconciliation in our community and beyond,” said Chris Ashkewe, Associate Director, Woodland Cultural Centre.
GrandBridge Energy was proud to present Woodland Cultural Centre with a cheque for $5,000 to support their Education Program. Woodland’s Education department opens the doors to the past, present, and future of Southern Ontario’s First Nations. The department develops original resource materials to support learning through virtual and in-person programs and educational curriculum materials for schools. The donation was the second from GrandBridge Energy, following a $5,000 donation in 2023 to support Woodland’s Language Program.
The Woodland Cultural Centre serves to preserve, promote and strengthen Indigenous language, culture, art and history. The centre was established in October 1972, under the direction of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians upon the closure of the Mohawk Institute Residential School.
The Woodland Cultural Centre hosts various programs and events including educational workshops, cultural exhibitions, and community outreach activities. These efforts are designed to promote awareness and appreciation of Indigenous heritage among the broader community.
On Sunday, June 23, the Woodland Cultural Centre will be hosting a National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford.
The celebration will include live contemporary and cultural performances, interactive demonstrations including traditional dance and sports, hands on workshops for all ages, shopping with local vendors and artisans, Indigenous foods and more. Tours of the museum and galleries will be available with knowledgeable guides throughout the day.
Click here to learn the past, present, and future of Southern Ontario’s First Nations peoples.
To learn more about GrandBridge Energy, click here.
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