OPG Visitor Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Features Focus on Nature

By Isaac White

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) marked a new chapter in their Akwesasne partnership with the grand opening of the Saunders Hydro dam Visitor Center Gardens. The event, held at the site of the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre (SHDVC), was a proud moment featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the new gardens, and a reception attended by members of the Akwesasne community and surrounding areas.

Amanda Greener, OPG's director of assets and project management, welcomed guests, stating, “As Ontario's largest generator of clean electricity, OPG operates sites across the province and within the treaties and traditional territories of Indigenous peoples in Ontario. Today, we celebrate not just the opening of these beautiful gardens but also our ongoing commitment to respectful and mutually beneficial relationships.”

A highlight of the event was a poignant address by Bruce Robertson, Vice President of Operations for Eastern Ontario at OPG, who detailed the historical impacts of the generating station on the Akwesasne people. “70 years ago, our predecessor companies built this structure, and their construction caused a great deal of harm, hurt, and damage to the Akwesasne people,” Robertson said. “The decisions of the day were very wrong. We can never change that, but in 2008, a group of people from Akwesasne and Ontario Power Generation took it upon themselves to chart a different path for the future. They inked an agreement, and the chairman of the board of OPG publicly apologized for our behaviors, our wrongful decisions, and our gross negligence in the lack of consultation with the community.”

Chief April Adams Phillips of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne spoke about the significance of the gardens in terms of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. “This project acknowledges the commitment of MCA and OPG to turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a positive and fruitful future in the areas of environmental stewardship and contracting,” she noted.

A major feature of the new additions is the Medicine Wheel Garden. This garden, surrounded by paths lined with native plants, offers visitors a place to learn about traditional herbal medicines and the cultural significance of the natural world. It embodies OPG's commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices into its environmental stewardship efforts.

Further enhancing the site is the Three Sisters Garden, which showcases the sustainable agricultural practices of growing corn, beans, and squash together, a practice that is both a cornerstone of Indigenous agriculture and a model of environmental sustainability. Additional features include an overlook shelter offering views across the landscape, a drying shed for medicinal herbs, and a Mother Earth/Great Tree of Peace feature, all designed to deepen the visitor's understanding of Indigenous culture and relationship with the land.

The Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Center Gardens not only celebrate Akwesasne's rich cultural heritage but also embody a practical commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity. The garden's design includes a variety of Indigenous-inspired interpretive features that educate visitors about the local flora and its uses in traditional practices. The aim is to enhance local biodiversity while providing a platform for community involvement and environmental education.

Representing Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry, Michael Lazaris highlighted the collaborative spirit of the project. “The grand opening of the landscape garden project is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared vision,” Lazaris remarked.

Rob Ball, President and CEO of M. Sullivan and Son Limited acknowledged the contributions of the local companies and the community. “It is because of OPG that our joint venture, Iroquois Sullivan joint venture, exists,” Ball stated, emphasizing the economic and capacity-building opportunities provided by the project.

The successful completion of the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Center Gardens was significantly bolstered by the involvement of local small businesses, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement and economic development. Northern Landscapes, Iroquois Consulting Group, and Akwesasne Earth Movers played pivotal roles in the creation of this project. Their expertise not only brought the visionary landscape to life but also reinforced the importance of local collaboration. Each company contributed unique skills and knowledge, ensuring that the gardens not only serve as a cultural and educational resource but also stand as a testament to the capabilities of Akwesasne’s local business community.

Via e-mail Ball added, “We were honored and proud to be part of such an important project for the community of Akwesasne, the City of Cornwall and OPG. The efforts of the project team, including Elders, plant and traditional medicine experts, and local sub trades all from Akwesasne, will serve for years to come by providing medicine, food, knowledge, and opportunities for sharing culture with locals and visitors from all over the world. The Mohawk culture and their teachings are rooted in beautiful traditions. What better way to celebrate this than with a beautiful garden for generations to come.”

Kelly Mitchell, President of the Iroquois Sullivan Joint Venture, shared insights into the cultural relevance of the plants used in the gardens. “These plants that exist here in this field come from our traditional growing methods,” Mitchell explained, “highlighting our culture and how we use Mother Nature not only to sustain us but also to heal us.”

Councilor Denis Sabourin of Cornwall reflected on the local impact of the gardens. “This is really a special occasion, and I consider you all special guests being here this afternoon as well as the speakers that were before me,” he said, underscoring the community-wide benefits of the project.

Although unable to attend the grand opening, MPP Nolan Quinn shared some words about the significance of the project, “Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Landscape Garden Project represents more than just aesthetic enhancements to the Visitor Centre grounds. It signifies a commitment to reconciliation and partnership with the community of Akwesasne.

The integration of Indigenous culture and stewardship throughout the trails, gardens, and interpretive features is a testament to OPG’s dedication to fostering understanding and appreciation of Indigenous history and traditions. Moreover, by engaging Akwesasne businesses and community members, opportunities for economic growth and sustainability are being nurtured.”

“The invaluable input and collaboration with the community have played a pivotal role in shaping this project, reflecting shared values of environmental stewardship and mutual respect. As we look ahead, our government remains steadfast in our commitment to building upon this foundation, seeking further avenues for positive impact and collaboration.

Ultimately, this project serves as a beacon of meaningful connection, a homage to Indigenous knowledge, and a celebration of the interconnectedness of all living beings.”

The gardens at the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Center demonstrate the power of working together, embracing different backgrounds, and having a common goal. These gardens integrate Indigenous traditions into the local and broader community.