Introducing the O’de Piitaanemaan (Oh da Pee-tah-na-mawn) Pledge

In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, water connects us all. It gives us everything we need to live authentically, make discoveries and gather nourishment, strength, and inner peace. Water is the original open road, where families make memories and paddles find purpose, moving us ever forward. In return, it’s our responsibility to respect this Land of Shining Waters, to care for it as it cares for us, so that we and future generations can continue to make cultural discoveries, forge new friendships, lose ourselves—and find ourselves—in the great outdoors for years to come.

The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is about respect for the land, respect for each other, and respect for those who will come after us. The Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg of Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation uphold the traditional teaching, Mnaadendamowin—to respect all creation—as a means of living sustainably and in balance with the land, waterways and each other.

Whether you feel at home in Peterborough and the Kawarthas or are visiting, taking the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge means you are promising to protect and preserve this incredible place, its heritage and culture, and the welcoming spirit of its people.

It means you understand what makes Peterborough and the Kawarthas extraordinary and are making a commitment to do everything you can to help keep it that way.

The Pledge:

• I pledge to be light on the land and wise on the water.
• I’ll explore my surroundings with an open heart, ask for help when I need it and be kind to strangers.
• Before starting my day, I’ll gear up, make a game plan, and get wind of the weather.
• I’ll remember my miigwech’s, thank-yous and mercis.
• With every new season, I’ll seek fresh experiences and flavours, trails, and friends.
• I’ll place safety before sport when pedalling, paddling, parking, or powerboating.
• Be it bison, baked goods, or a crafty brew, I’ll buy local where I can.
• I’ll greet new cultures and traditional teachings with curiosity, kindness, and compassion.
• After feeding my soul with authentic adventures, I’ll take fond memories with me and leave nothing but footprints behind.

If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s the power of unity, of working together for a mutual cause. Respect for the people, culture and natural spaces we depend on—for future generations and for each other—has never been more important.

You are invited to join the community of communities in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to make a commitment to be kind and uphold the traditional teaching—Mnaadendamowin—respect for all creation. Will you pledge to be a steward of Peterborough and the Kawarthas?

Sign & Share the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge Today! thekawarthas.ca/pledge