The new community space – featuring naturalized landscapes, interpretive installations, and public art – was named in honour of the Neutral Nation.
On Saturday, November 1, Niagara College showed their support for the grand opening of Sho’AriShon* Park – a new public space in Lincoln restored in collaboration with local partners to honour their enduring presence on the land.
*Pronounced (So-ah-ree-son)
NC Board Chair, Lora Tisi, and Indigenous Cultural Advisor, Karl Dockstader, were among the speakers at the celebration in Jordan Station. Vice-Chair Rashmi Biswas and Former Chair Mishka Balsom were also in attendance. Derrick Pont, Chair of NC’s Indigenous Education Management Circle – who also serves as President of the Niagara Regional Métis Council – was present at the event.
To open the event, Dockstader delivered the Thanksgiving Address. On behalf of NC, Tisi shared her pride for the new space, its significance towards Truth and Reconciliation in the region, and its impact to advance Indigenous inclusion.
Karl Dockstader at Sho’AriShon Park. Photo credit: Alex Heidbuechel.
“Today’s opening of the Sho’aríshon Park is in poetic alignment with Niagara College’s mission, and a testament to honoring the stories, heritage and cultural presence of the peoples original to this land,” said Tisi.
Tisi acknowledged those who, alongside the Town of Lincoln, were pivotal in advancing the project: Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Plenty Canada, Niagara Regional Native Centre, and the Niagara Region. She also acknowledged Mayor Sandra Easton and Alyssa General, a Mohawk language specialist who contributed to the naming and translation research for Sho’aríshon Park.
“I’m thrilled to see something that has been several years in the making come to fruition,” said Dockstader. “There was a lot of behind-the-scenes work that led to this stunning community asset being added to our region. I’m looking forward to finding ways of weaving this place into the work we do moving forward as an educational institution.”
“Moments like this in our community – where we unearth and re-connect with our roots – undoubtedly strengthen Niagara’s identity,” said Tisi.
