Haldimand "Proposal"

I would like to say that when you stand on a bridge for 3 days, or when you are involved in an issue you are very fortunate to meet many people. On the most part I found that like myself most felt that their voice was "unheard". Most also care deeply, and are very proud to live in "Haldimand County".

One women I have met recently shared an idea with me on a proposal for a "Park", and I have been given her permission to share the following with you.


"Friendship Park Proposal"

I would like to suggest that the Douglas Creek Estate lands that are currently being purchased by the Provincial Government be retained by the Province in perpetuity to be used as a park for the joint benefit of the people of Caledonia and Six Nations to remember the importance of Friendship forever.

The site would be turned into a walking park called Friendship Park. There would be paths throughout the park named for each of the native bands on six nations and for the different nationalities living in Caledonia.

I would suggest that a tree be planted for every day that the occupation of the lands has been in place to remind us all of the length of time we have lost our understanding of one another’s needs, we have not respected one another, and the trust that has been lost between the two peoples. There would be one large parking lot at the building constructed at the corner of Argyle Street and 6th Line.

Friendship Park would be the centre of many joint events celebrating our peoples (e.g. Canada Day, National Aboriginal Day, Remembrance Day, Victoria Day).

1. In the centre of the park there would be a bandstand that would be used on a regular basis during the spring, summer and fall months to host events celebrating the peoples of Caledonia and Six Nations to help reinforce an understanding of one another and a respect for our differences. Around the bandstand would be the following:

 On the north side of the bandstand would be the flags from left to right of Canada, Ontario, Haldimand, the Six Nations Reserve and each of the native bands on Six Nations together in a row.

 On the east side would be a monument that has the word “UNDERSTANDING” to represent the need for understanding between the two peoples.

 On the south side of the bandstand would be a monument with the word “RESPECT” to represent the need for the two peoples to have respect for one another’s differences.

 On the west side of the bandstand would be a monument with the work “TRUST” to represent the trust that has been lost and that needs to be recaptured by both peoples.

2. At the corner of Argyle Street and 6th Line would be built a Friendship Centre. This building would contain a section that would be used to display the history of this area that demonstrates the views of both Six Nations and European settlers.

This building would also include a learning centre that would have regular learning sessions hosted by either Six Nations representatives or Haldimand representatives or both with the primary emphasis on developing a better understanding of the history and issues each face.

Finally, in this building I would propose regular meetings of the leaders of both Haldimand and Six Nations to jointly discuss plans for growth and development that will benefit both Haldimand and Six Nations.

One could take a hard-nosed approach to the Douglas Creek Estates and get nowhere or one could take a conciliatory approach and benefit both Caledonia and Six Nations peoples.

As you can see from her opening statement, this park proposal was designed in 2006, just as the Province was purchasing Douglas Creek Estates. She sent her proposal to the Mayor of Haldimand County, and some government officials that were at the negotiating table at that time.

Thank you for allowing me to share your ideas with the public.