Public Ceremony to Honour Marker Tree at Harrison Park on Earth Day

The City of Owen Sound and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office (SON EO) invite the public to attend a Marker Tree Dedication Ceremony recognizing this culturally significant tree located beside the river in the Harrison Park campground.

The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22 – which is also recognized as Earth Day – and will begin with an Indigenous ceremonial fire, followed by drumming from members of the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre. The program will also include greetings from dignitaries, a teaching from Lenore Keeshig of Neyaashiinigmiing, and the unveiling of an interpretive plaque at the site.

The sugar maple tree, estimated to be 150 to 200 years old, is known as a ‘marker tree’, a living artifact shaped by Anishinaabek peoples while it was still a sapling. Marker trees were traditionally bent and reinforced to hold a distinctive angle, serving as navigational guides that pointed toward important places such as trails, water sources, camping areas, or ceremonial sites. In Anishinaabemowin, marker trees are known as Ganawaajichigani‑mitigoog.

The Harrison Park marker tree has long been recognized by members of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation as an important cultural landmark. In late 2025, the SON Environment Office requested the City’s support to help restore and protect the tree after signs of stress were observed due to soil compaction and nearby traffic. Restoration measures have since been implemented to help stabilize the tree and support its long‑term health, alongside the installation of interpretive signage to share its story with the public.

The dedication ceremony provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn more about the cultural significance of marker trees, reflect on the shared history of the land, and recognize the importance of stewardship and reconciliation. Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1252 or email pcoulter@owensound.ca

Quotes:

“This marker tree is a powerful reminder that Harrison Park is not only a place of recreation, but a place of deep history and meaning,” said Ian C Boddy, Mayor of Owen Sound. “We are grateful to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation for sharing their knowledge and for working with the City to protect this living artifact. Honouring and caring for this tree is an important step in recognizing the stories of this land and our shared responsibility to preserve them for future generations.”

-      Mayor Ian Boddy

“Marker trees are a living connection to Anishinaabek history, land-based knowledge, and cultural continuity. Protecting these vivifacts helps ensure the past, present and future for the Anishinaabek.”

-      Lenore Keeshig, SON Elder and knowledge holder

Quick Facts:

• Marker Trees, also known as “signal trees,” were used by Anishinaabek peoples to indicate trails, water sources, sacred sites, caches, or boundaries. Hardwood trees were used because they live long, are strong, and usually grow straight. A bent tree would definitely be noticeable. One tree leads to another and is bent in the direction of travel. These living artifacts can be found throughout Saugeen Ojibway Territory.

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