As one of the oldest settlements in Canada that is strategically located at the intersection of three Great Lakes and two forest systems, Sault Ste. Marie has a wealth of ‘hidden treasures’ to offer its citizen and visitors.

The aim of the Animating project is to share the historical, cultural and ecological information about the areas boarding the Trail. The project has fostered important relationships in understanding this place by providing space for respectful sharing of parallel and divergent historical perspectives of this ancient location traditionally known as Baawating, ‘the meeting place’. The information, including healthy active living, is widely available through mobile devices, a Trail Guide and an Audio Tour. The Trail Guide and Audio Tour is tri-lingual, English, French and Anishinaabemowin, the traditional language of this region.

The Animating goals include:

• Celebrate Sault Ste. Marie’s historically rich, culturally significant, and ecologically diverse assets
• Strengthen community identity and contribute to a place-based economy
• Increase tourism
• Engage the community in healthy active living
• Create learning opportunities for all ages

The project is led by the NORDIK Institute in collaboration with the City’s Planning Department and in partnership with over 40 community organizations and individuals, including members of the Indigenous, Métis, and Francophone communities, representatives of the boards of education and early childhood educators, families, and community organizations from a diversity of sectors. Visit our acknowledgements page for further details.

Recipient of the SSMARt Innovation Awards 2015 for Innovation Project of the Year.