Camp Kawartha’s “Reconciling with the Land” initiative was celebrated March 27 at the Curve Lake Cultural Centre, with Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, in attendance.

The initiative, supported by a $66,200 seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), was a collaborative partnership between the local Catholic school board, its Indigenous Education team, Curve Lake First Nation Knowledge Holder Anne Taylor, and GreenUP. It saw the transformation and naturalization of grounds at three local schools — St. John Catholic Elementary School, Peterborough; St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, Lakefield; and Curve Lake First Nations School.

“The ‘Reconciling with the Land’ initiative has used provincial funding to create lasting assets for our schools, from medicine gardens to the Language Learning Path at Curve Lake,” said Smith. “Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, you’ve been able to work on this project that’s focused on youth development and community partnership. I am pleased to see these projects completed and ready to serve our students for many years to come.”

St. John and St. Paul schools both worked with GreenUP to install Little Forests, caliper trees, willow tunnels, medicine gardens, vegetable gardens, berry patches, fruit trees, pollinator gardens, and rewilded fence lines in their school yards, creating outdoor classrooms rooted in ecological restoration and Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

OTF grant funds were used to purchase trees, plants, flowers, soil and gardening implements and to deliver workshops and sessions.

At Curve Lake First Nations School, tree identification signs along a Language Learning Path were designed and installed by GreenUP, highlighting local wildlife and featuring Anishinaabemowin translations, provided by Curve Lake First Nation and The Creators Garden.

The initiative delivered 108 land-based learning sessions led by Camp Kawartha together with First Nations educators, providing hundreds of students with opportunities to connect with nature, learn from Indigenous knowledge holders, and help bring nature back to their school grounds, states a release for the event.

“This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant allowed us to move beyond words toward meaningful action,” said Jacob Rodenburg, executive director, Camp Kawartha. “By restoring school grounds and centring Indigenous knowledge and language, we have helped young people develop deeper relationships with the land and with one another. This is reconciliation rooted in relationship.”

Camp Kawartha is an award-winning leader in camping, outdoor education, stewardship, and land-based learning, annually benefiting more than 19,000 children, families, and educators. The camp works collaboratively with more than 45 community partners to foster connection, care, and leadership in relation to land and community, reads the release. For more information on Camp Kawartha, its programs and initiatives, visit campkawartha.ca.

The OTF invested nearly $105 million last year into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships to support its mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Visit otf.ca to learn more.   

“Reconciling with the Land has been a pivotal experience,” said Mike Mooney, learning consultant, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC). “Working together to naturalize school grounds and learn on the land has strengthened relationships and created lasting impact for students and communities.”

Christ Lutheran Church has announced that Irish Millie will perform a fundraising concert Sunday, April 19 at 4 p.m. at the church, located at 463 Highland Rd.

“Irish Millie is a 19-year-old fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist taking the Canadian roots scene by storm. With seven Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, including two 2026 nods for her EP “Between Then and Now,” and a 2025 Folk Music Ontario nomination for Performing Artist of the Year, she is captivating audiences with explosive fiddle playing, heartfelt songwriting, and vibrant interpretations of Canadian tradition. From her acclaimed album ‘GRACE’ to her newest release, audiences can expect energy, heart, and an unforgettable performance,” reads a release for the concert.

Tickets for the concert cost $25 and can be obtained by emailing Marlys at kerkmam@gmail.com.

© Peterborough Examiner