Pikwakanagan –A bright and colourful array of flowers in boxes now greets visitors and residents to the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation as the bridge joining the reserve and the hamlet of Golden Lake in North Algona Wilberforce Township is lined with 12 flower boxes.
A gift of Pikwakanagan Fuels, the $6,000 donation was officially recognized Friday morning when members of the band council hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony “for the flowers on the bridge”.
Councillor Wendy Jocko emceed the event, held on what was the hottest day so far this summer season, saying she hoped everyone would agree that green plants, trees, flowers, grass and shrubs can help a community feel welcoming and well-loved.
“It was the desire of chief and council to create a visually appealing link between the bridge that connects the Village of Golden Lake – County Road 70 – and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Reserve, Kokmis Road,” she said.
The 12 boxes affixed to the bridge railings were sponsored by Pikwakanagan Fuels and created by Gerber’s Nursery.
Among the guests were the donors — Helen Bernard, son Jason and his spouse, Natalie Corbin of Pikwakanagan Fuels, Renfrew County Warden and Bonnechere Valley Township Mayor Jennifer Murphy and NAW Mayor James Brose. Ms. Bernard’s spouse, Stan Benoit, was unable to attend.
“This absolutely blew my mind this morning when I drove in here. I had no idea you were going to do so many beautiful flower boxes,” Warden Murphy said. “It really is an enhancement and we know from the bridge in Eganville, when you are stopped on that bridge how pretty it is because of the flower boxes.”
Mayor Brose brought greetings from his council telling those present the project was an example of a community at work.
“The beautification the flowers provide on the bridge, it’s breathtaking,” he said. “It’s really, really wonderful to see. I know that the traffic to the businesses on the reserve has really added to the amount of traffic that’s going through the village of Golden Lake and it has really benefited our municipality as well.”
Coun. Jocko then thanked and paid tribute to Pikwakanagan Fuels for its generous donation of $6,000 to cover the cost of the flower boxes.
“We are very fortunate to have generous donors like Pikwakanagan Fules investing in our community,” she said. “Your generosity greatly benefits all those who visit Pikwakanagan. We say Chi Meegwetch.”
Speaking on behalf of the business owners, Ms. Corbin extended thanks for being invited to be part of the bridge beautification project.
“As a business we’ve always wanted to do something beautiful for the bridge and when you came forward we were so excited to be a part of this,” she said. “We look forward to being the sponsor for many years going forward for the flowers and for the upkeep as well.”
“This isn’t just a one-off for us. We plan to be a part of this for many years to come.”
Chief Kirby Whiteduck presented a certificate recognizing the financial contribution of Pikwakanagan Fuels.
Coun. Jocko also thanked Ralph Christinck and staff at Gerber’s Nursery for building the boxes and filling them with flowers, explaining the colour theme chosen was from the medicine wheel and represented the four directions.
“The medicine wheel teachings provides us with guidance for wellness and balance in our lives — spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically,” Coun. Jocko explained.
East – holds the colour yellow and represents knowledge and courage. The spiritual medicine associated with the east and the colour yellow is (tobacco) Sema.
South – holds the colour red and represents life and happiness. The spiritual medicine associated with this direction and colour is (cedar) Kiijik.
West — holds the colour black and represents clarity and success. The colour is black and the spiritual medicine is (sage) Apabowan.
North — holds the colour white and represents purity of spirit. The spiritual medicine associated with the north and colour white is (sweetgrass) Nookwewashk and a small bundle was attached to the bridge.
Coun. Jocko also extended thanks to Craig Bernard and his staff who provide care and maintenance to the flowers and ensure they are watered daily.
Chief Whiteduck ended the ceremony noting the bridge is a link between Pikwakanagan, NAW and the rest of the county on the north side.
“And it’s over the Bonnecheer River which has a long history with the Algonquins and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan,” he said.