Heather Latter
Damien McGinnis of the Nigigoonsiminikaaning Health Program has submitted an idea for an Art and Science Centre—Bawaajigan (Dream)—in this year’s Aviva Community Fund.
Now he needs people to vote so the idea will move on to the next round of the competition.
The idea is in the running for $100,000-$150,000 in funding for the project.
The first qualifying round began Oct. 1 and ends this coming Monday (Oct. 15).
As of press time today, the idea had just 23 votes.
“It would provide a place to do art and cultural projects,” explained McGinnis, who is an addictions worker, noting it would be beneficial for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse because it would offer a place for students to conduct research.
“It would motivate students and give them something positive,” he reasoned.
The idea submission noted the Arts and Science Centre objective would be “to provide a supportive environment for our community and through our experience, be given the opportunity to gain the knowledge and direction to continue to grow prosperously as Anishinaabe people.”
McGinnis said the Art and Science Centre would offer community members the opportunity to use a database and library to perform a variety of research projects that will improve daily living.
He noted a majority of the funding would go toward the development of a facility while a small portion would be earmarked for equipment for the programs.
“An Art and Science Centre would be a great facility for Nigigoonsiminikaaning to engage our community in the ‘green’ movement and to create innovative thinkers,” McGinnis stressed.
It also would give people an opportunity to use art as a part of the design for the facility, he added.
He said they would like to keep the facility as natural as possible so visitors would feel comfortable and want to return for another visit.
McGinnis noted art and science are important for youth.
“Art has many benefits for youth, and can be an extremely powerful tool that allows us to grow as individuals or as part of a team,” he remarked.
“By developing an Art and Science Centre, we will have a facility that can accommodate our needs as a growing First Nation, and work towards implementing programs to continue to sculpt young minds.”
He added that “science is a significant study that can improve our community by providing us with an enormous amount of data to research and apply to existing values.”
McGinnis hopes people support the idea for an Art and Science Centre for Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation by voting at www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf13458
The top 30 ideas will move on to the semi-final round in December.
However, if the idea does not qualify in the first round, there still are two more chances for it to qualify.
The second qualifying round runs Oct. 22-Nov. 5 while the third one goes from Nov. 12-26.
The top 30 ideas are selected from each round.
From those 90 ideas, another round of voting determines the 30 finalists. Then the judges choose the winners, who will share $1 million.
Another district idea in the running for funds is for a community park in Atikokan, submitted by the People for Playgrounds Committee.
They are seeking $50,000-$100,000 for the playground, which they hope will promote physical activity and affordability.
Currently the only play equipment available is at schools. This play equipment is not inclusive and available at all times.
“We envision our playground to have a safe turf for strollers and wheelchair accessibility, to have interactive play panels for children of all abilities,” noted the idea submission.
“We have a design that encompasses activity for all ages.”
Aside from the play structure, the committee wants to plant trees for future shade, build a shade shelter with picnic tables, and have benches for seating surrounding the structure.
As of press time, this idea had 2,120 votes.
To support Atikokan’s push for a playground, visit www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf13929
