Art, History and Culture

The Connections Trail refers to a series of 35 historical plaques located throughout the municipality. The series includes three previously existing plaques at the Old Mill, the lighthouse and the Kagawong Cedars Cemetery as well as the seven sculpture series located around the hamlet. The historical plaques are located throughout the municipality and the text on each plaque occurs in three languages: Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), French and English. The trail includes a dedicated kiosk in the Old Mill Heritage Centre which also presents the plaque series in all three languages.

The trail attempts to integrate the local heritage and history of Anishinaabeg and non-Indigenous residents and represents the Township’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015) ‘Calls to Action’ for public education that integrates indigenous history into municipal programs. A key element of the project involved a range of community engagements to build awareness of, and acknowledge the truth of the impact of colonization, as a critical precursor to reconciliation.

Billings Connection Trail Partners