FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oakville, Ont., June 22, 2026 – Our Gathering Lodge has officially opened as a space dedicated for use by and for Indigenous community members.
Located inside the Queen Elizabeth Community & Cultural Centre, Our Gathering Lodge realizes an original request from 2019 and has been envisioned as a Truth & Reconciliation initiative in Oakville to further the relationship and connection between all local treaty and traditional Indigenous community members.
Indigenous-led consultations were held with representatives from many nations that focused on the uniqueness of the space and what its intended uses would be. The word Lodge was included in the name as members noted that it was important to have a word that resonated with them and made clear that the space is intended for Indigenous community members.
It was also decided to have the official name be in English with translation into Indigenous languages that represent the members, including Cree, Mohawk, Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwe and Sm’algyax, with the opportunity to add more languages with new members.
The space was designed by Elder Peter Schuler with the appearance of a traditional lodge with two feature walls that have a rough-pine shiplap design, a dark ceiling to mimic the night sky and a custom mural featuring traditional art elements representing indigenous culture.
The official opening was a celebration for Indigenous community members and donors who have supported the space, opening songs and ceremony followed by plaque presentations to donors and finally all guests participating in planting in the outdoor space with Indigenous plants and plants native to Oakville.
“There is no better place to seek truth than within your own local community,” said Elder Peter Schuler, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper to The Foundation. “Our Gathering Lodge has moved truth into reconciliation. This space is a necessary place for healing and supporting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.”
Our Gathering Lodge would not be possible without a number of very generous donations from Fundholders and allies.
The Foundation is grateful to the following organizations, individuals and Donor Advised Fundholders: Canadian Tire Oakville, Ikea Burlington, Oakville Kitchen & Bath Centre, Oakville Paint & Decor Centre, Promation, Speers Road Broadloom Ltd., Augy and Anna
Carnovale Foundation, Christine M. Langevin, Cudjoe and Pendala Families Fund, Gregory Gittings Better Living Fund, Haslett-Theall Family Foundation, Kohler Family Foundation, Kim Alexander Fullerton LLB, Kenny Family Foundation, Larmour-McLaren Family Fund, Tremblay Family Fund, Wendy Rinella, Wong Family Foundation, Oakvillegreen, St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Jensen Group, Will Snyder, the Moccasin Identifier, and the Town of Oakville.
Additional donations are required to complete the renovations and fund ongoing activities. Click here for a list of items needed, as well as our donor wall, with thanks to those who have already made monetary and in-kind donations.
The space is available for use by Indigenous community members. Members interested in using the space to run and facilitate meetings, events and other uses of the space can contact info@debwewinoakville.ca.
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Oakville Community Foundation
The Oakville Community Foundation is Oakville’s largest community of philanthropists with 400 Funds. The Foundation facilitates local philanthropy by investing donations to generate new money for our community and charities. We conduct local research to provide our diverse donors with knowledge and solutions to make an impact in the local community, both today and in the future. The Foundation has granted more than $81 million to support charities locally and beyond.
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