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With deep gratitude and respect,
we acknowledge that this project
is located on unceded Algonquin territory.
We offer massive gratitude to
Indigenous Tourism Ontario
for the startup grant received in 2022
that helped us launch Phase 1 of this project.
Without your belief in our vision,
and the support of your amazing team,
this project would not be possible.
Tons more information coming soon,
so stay tuned and sign up to our
mailing list
so you don't miss a thing!
Ginawaydaganuc (Gin-away-dag-a-nuk) Village is an innovative, Indigenous-led, multicultural economic development plan slated for Almonte, Ontario, with an anticipated opening in 2024-26. This business hub will provide a highly unique venue for tourism and education, while standing out as a role model for social ingenuity and environmentally proactive economic expansion.
Guided by Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers, this multi-faceted plan aims to create short-term lodging, healthy cuisine opportunities, retail space (which includes the future home of Turtle Lodge Trading Post Inc.), social gathering and workshop space, Indigenous teachings, and educational opportunities that promote sustainable living and working practices, with a special focus on support and special opportunities for businesses who are developing products and services to assist mankind's efforts to harmonize with the environment.
In addition to becoming a popular eco-tourist destination, Ginawaydaganuc Village will provide advantages to a multitude of beneficiaries from all walks of life, including special programming for marginalized populations such as seniors, underprivileged, those with special needs, and more.
Key components of the project will deliver certifiable education opportunities, create tons of great jobs, develop a network of reciprocity for food, art and crafts, knowledge, support for enviromentaly proactive business innovations, and lots more while nourishing franchise prospects by encouraging the growth of other similar villages across Turtle Island.
We chose the name Ginawaydaganuc Village to honour the late Algonquin Grandfather William Commanda, an Elder very dear to our hearts. "Ginawaydaganuc”, is an Algonquin word the essence of which means 'we/all things are connected'. The Spirit of Ginawaydaganuc speaks to our intrinsic relationship to Mother Earth — her land, air and waters — as well as to the cosmos, and, of course, to each other. Ginawaydaganuc is the thread that connects ALL cultures, ALL peoples, and all things together. This project is about acknowledging and honouring that connection, as well as anchoring and channeling the kind constructive energies / tools / resources we need for humanity to live and work together in harmony towards a better future.
Our executive board of directors includes members of the Mohawks of Tyendinaga First Nation, Dokis First Nation (Ojibway), and the Metis Nation of Canada. We are also grateful for our special advisors from the Algonquin Nation, Mohawk Nation, and the Metis Nation of Ontario. Globally renowned Blackfoot ARCHITECT DOUGLAS CARDINAL has also been hired to develop the blueprints for the village. (Drafts coming soon!!) We have also hired Indigenous web designers Animikii to take this website to a whole new level. (also coming soon).