Union Gas Supports Aamjiwnaang First Nation Community Initiatives
$4,000 in grants for turtle garden and Grade 9 tutoring program
SARNIA, ON – Union Gas is providing Aamjiwnaang First Nation with two $2,000 grants to assist with the construction of a turtle garden and to purchase resources for a grade nine and ten math and science tutoring program.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation will use the first grant to design and plant a turtle garden next to their Pow Wow grounds at the newly restored Talford Creek at Bear Park. Incorporating the turtle image, which in First Nation culture represents Mother Earth (or creation), will help educate children and other garden visitors about its significance. In addition, educational materials including an activity book and signage will be developed, helping garden visitors learn about the 13 different species of native plants that exist in the local area. Community Centre programming for youth will be involved in the upkeep of the garden.
A second Union Gas Grant will help to offset the cost of tablets which are used in a one-on-one math and science tutoring program for grade nine and ten students.
John Bonin, Union Gas manager of Aboriginal Affairs and Greg Wagner, Union Gas utility services manager, presented the cheque today to Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain and project leads Sharilyn Johnston and Vicky Ware, at the Aamjiwnaang administrative building.
“Union Gas strives to be the partner of choice for communities, and that includes building long-term, productive relationships with First Nations and Métis communities,” said Bonin. “That’s why we are pleased to support these important educational and environmental programs provided by the Aamjiwnaang First Nation.”
With our deep roots in Ontario, Union Gas has built a foundation of strong, mutually-beneficial relationships with First Nations and Métis peoples in the communities and regions where we operate. This is central to providing certainty to our business and supports the vision, purpose and values of the company’s Charter. For more information visit uniongas.com/community/aboriginal.
About Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Aamjiwnaang, meaning “where the spirit of the water lives” is unceded territory. The Traditional Territory covers the area of south western Ontario and the Great Lakes Region. The reserved lands presently cover approximately 3,000 acres of Lambton County. Aamjiwnaang has three kilometers of frontage on the St. Clair River and borders the international boundary with the United States. It is habitat for distinctive flora and fauna and is known for its waterway the St. Clair River. Aamjiwnaang First Nation and their ancestors have been living, hunting and fishing in this territory since time immemorial.
About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited, a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers, assets of over $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across Ontario. Union Gas is one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2014.
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CONTACTS:
Union Gas Limited
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490
Cell: 519 365-1010
astass@uniongas.com
Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Michael George
Band Administrator
519-336-8410
– See more at: http://www.uniongas.com/newsroom/2014/Jan-30-2013#sthash.mOpe0cyu.dpuf
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