The Rememberer
Are there bears here – what kind – how big – how many – what do they eat?
We have a team of experienced Anishinaabe naturalists and guides. They have developed a series of land and water-based activities to share with Park visitors.
Our knowledgeable naturalists and guides will help you connect to the land and water from an Anishinaabe perspective.
You will start to hear Anishinaabemowin, our language, and possibly learn some. The start will be slow and easy – a few greetings and lots of place names. These will be the names of the camping areas, trails, and other key Park locations. For example: Wiikwedoonse, can be translated as “Little Bay” or “Cove.” This is the traditional name for Sydney Bay, and the name of one our camping areas. We think you will enjoy learning the place names in the Park.
Indigenous is a blanket term used to refer to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada. We identify as First Nations, specifically – Anishinaabek.
Is our language new and confusing to you? Don’t be afraid to try. It’s easier than it looks! This is how to pronounce two of our words:
Ah nish shin naw bay = singular
Ah nish shin naw beck = plural
Stories tell us that along time ago, Mkwa took care of the first Anishinaabe children, fed them and kept them warm. Another story tells us that each year during Mkwa Giizis or Bear Moon also known as February, bear cubs venture outside their cozy dens to play. If their play is brief, then winter will be long. If they stay out, then spring is fast approaching.
The bear is known as a healer and peacekeeper who taught our people about the medicines. Some of our people have bear names like Mkoons (Little Bear) or Mko-kwe (Bear Woman). Some of our people belong to the Mkwa Dodem (Bear Clan). Some people have bears as "spirit helpers."
Seeing a bears in a natural setting like out in a field or crossing the road somewhere is an exciting and memorable experience. However, this is not necessarily so in a campground or on someone’s deck. This is why we built garbage depots, purchased recycling bins and closed our dump. In doing so, we have given responsibility to our campers and visitors to help us keep bears safe. Bear is called The Rememberer because Bear always remembers where to find food.
Help us protect our bears and all other critters who share their world with us.
Our Park attendants will be around to encourage your continued assistance in keeping bears safe.
Our campground was developed as a family campground. We want to keep it that way. You can help to maintain the ambience and atmosphere of this place. Our rules are guides to ensure you and other Park visitors have an enjoyable, safe and memorable camping experience.
Common complaints over the years:
Please take a few minutes to review these rules.