MILTON, ON – September 22, 2022 – On Jeudi, September 15, just over 300 Conservation Halton Foundation supporters gathered at Crawford Lake Conservation Area for Re:Generations, an evening of fireside gatherings, inspiring speakers, Indigenous art, food and music in the softly lit Longhouse Village. With thanks to sponsors and supporters, the Re:Generations gala raised over $315,000 towards improving and enhancing educational experiences and spaces at Crawford Lake.
“Re:Generations was an incredible evening that celebrated the rich Indigenous history of Crawford Lake. With the guidance of the advisory council, elders and knowledge keepers, the Longhouse Village came to life for this unforgettable fundraising event,” said Hassaan Basit, President and CEO of Conservation Halton. “For years, Crawford Lake has been a place of community, connection, education and culture. We need to continue to protect, preserve and invest in this place of learning so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.”
During the reception, guests had the opportunity to connect with local elders by the fire, learn about and experience the significance of tobacco ties, red ties in recognition of missing and murdered indigenous women and the Three Sisters Garden. There was a delicious local corn roast, a lacrosse demonstration by Haudenosaunee Lacrosse and an opportunity to experience artist Catherine Tammaro’s Fire Over Water exhibit in the Deer Clan longhouse. The reception was catered by Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette of NishDish Marketeria & Catering and featured local and seasonal ingredients from First Nations communities.
The evening’s entertainment included performances from Indigenous artists Lacey Hill, Zeegwon Shilling and Tribal Vision Dance.
Mattamy Homes, Distrikt Alterra and Argo Development Corp. were the presenting sponsors for the evening whose support was integral in making Re:Generations a success.
“It is wonderful to see the community step up in support of Crawford Lake. As a result of this fundraising, we will see more indigenous-led programming and greater hands-on learning opportunities for youth,” said Garner Beckett, Executive Director of Conservation Halton Foundation. “Over 32,000 young people participate in education programs at Crawford Lake each year and we are looking forward to reaching even more young people and to further enhancing the learning experience.”
The Conservation Halton Foundation is a registered charitable organization and partner to Conservation Halton that raises funds to advance environmental projects that protect our natural assets, connect people with nature and inspire change. Our vision is an engaged and supportive community, driven to creating a healthy environment with clean streams, abundant forests and thriving natural spaces. Learn more at conservationhalton.ca/foundation