The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge Puts Sustainability and Respect at the Forefront of Ontario Travel

A new pledge launched this summer encourages visitors and residents of Peterborough & the Kawarthas to recognize the importance of respecting the places and land they’re visiting, to ultimately ensure that future generations will have the same privilege to experience what makes this region special.

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This summer, Peterborough & the Kawarthas launched the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge, and their hope was to have at least 500 signatures by the end of the year. Well, over 1000 pledges later, here we are! Clearly, it’s a sign that people recognize the importance of efforts that aim to preserve the land for those who come after us, but also to do what we can in the here and now.

Anyone can sign the pledge, and you can, of course, aim to uphold these values in travel all across Ontario whether that’s visiting a city, exploring the outdoors, or dining at an Ontario restaurant.

The pledge is centred around respect, kindness, and pride, and “O’de Pittaanemaan” is actually an Ojibwe word which roughly translates to having respect for the land, for each other, and the for the people who come after us. According to the Peterborough Examiner, “Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development created the program in consultation with both Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation Economic Development.”

Before we talk further about the pledge, we’d love to embed this video here for you to watch, and which aims to encompass what this pledge is all about in under two minutes. There are some beautiful visuals of nature included that once again highlight why it is we need pledges like this.

What’s Included in The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge?

On the page where readers like you can take this very pledge, Peterborough & the Kawarthas notes that the pledge that they’ve put forth draws on the teachings of the Michi Saagig Anishinabeg, and that, at its core, the pledge is about respect. It’s aim is to unify everyone in protecting the land, and to travel throughout the region with intention.

It means that whether you’re visiting restaurants in Peterborough, or even having a picnic, you’re carrying this pledge with you. It’s not just something that applies to when you’re outdoors, since that underlying principle of respect permeates everything.

The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge

While travelling in Peterborough & the Kawarthas…

• I pledge to be light on the land and wise on the water
  
• I’ll explore my surroundings with an open heart, ask for help when I need it, and be kind to strangers
  
• Before starting my day, I’ll gear up, make a game plan, and get wind of the weather
  
• I’ll remember my miigwech’s, thank-you’s and merci’s
  
• With every new season, I’ll seek fresh experiences and flavours, trails, and friends
  
• I’ll place safety before sport when peddling, paddling, parking, or power boating
  
• Be it bison, baked goods, or a crafty brew, I’ll buy local where I can
  
• I’ll greet new cultures and traditional teachings with curiosity, kindness, and compassion
  
• After feeding my soul with authentic adventures, I’ll take fond memories with me and leave nothing but footprints behind

Below the pledge, there are some powerful words that we’d like to include to finish the article.

“The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is about respect: respect for the land, respect for each other, and respect for those who will come after us. The Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg of Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation uphold the traditional teaching, Mnaadendamowin—to give respect to all creation—as a means of living sustainably and in balance with the land, waterways and each other.

So, whether you feel at home in Peterborough & the Kawarthas or are visiting for a day, a week, or a few semesters, taking the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge means you are promising to protect and preserve this incredible place, its heritage and culture, as well as the welcoming spirit of its people. It means you understand what makes Peterborough & the Kawarthas extraordinary, and are making a commitment to do everything you can to help keep it that way.”

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