Point Grondine Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Point Grondine 3
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| Point Grondine Indian Reserve No. 3 | |
 Point Grondine 3
Location in Ontario
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Ontario |
| District | Sudbury |
| First Nation | Wiikwemkoong |
| Area | |
| • Land | 138.97 km2 (53.66 sq mi) |
Point Grondine Park is a special nature park located on the northern shore of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. It is owned by First Nations people. The park is built on a historic area called Point Grondine 3, which was once an Indian reserve. An Indian reserve is land set aside for the use of a First Nation.
This land was reserved for the Wiikwemkoong First Nation way back in 1850. This happened as part of an agreement called the Robinson Huron Treaty. A treaty is a formal agreement between different groups, often about land or rights.
The original Point Grondine First Nation moved away from this area in the 1940s. They went to live on Manitoulin Island with the Wiikwemkoong people. In 1968, they officially joined with the Wiikwemkoong band. The Point Grondine area was then empty for many years.
In 2015, the park was finally opened. It is the first step in a bigger plan called the Georgian Bay Coast Trail project. This project aims to create a 200-kilometre (about 124 miles) nature trail. This trail will stretch along Indigenous-owned land from Point Grondine all the way to Bayfield Inlet.
Even though Point Grondine Park is run by the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, it works together with the nearby Killarney Provincial Park. This helps both parks offer great experiences for visitors.
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Exploring Point Grondine Park
Point Grondine Park is a beautiful place to explore nature. It offers many outdoor activities for visitors. The park is a great spot for hiking, camping, and enjoying the peaceful environment.
What Can You Do at the Park?
The park has many trails that wind through forests and along the shoreline. These trails are perfect for hiking and discovering the local plants and animals. You can also find spots for camping, which lets you stay overnight and enjoy the stars.
The Georgian Bay Coast Trail Project
The park is an important part of a bigger dream: the Georgian Bay Coast Trail. This trail will be very long, stretching for 200 kilometres. It will connect different parts of the Georgian Bay coast. This project helps people enjoy nature and learn about the land.
Future Plans for the Trail
The goal is to create a continuous path for hikers and nature lovers. This trail will allow people to explore the beautiful landscapes of the region. It will also help connect different Indigenous communities along the coast.
History of the Point Grondine Area
The land where Point Grondine Park sits has a long history. It was once home to the Point Grondine First Nation. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the park even more.
The Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850
In 1850, the Robinson Huron Treaty was signed. This treaty was an agreement between the Anishinaabeg First Nations and the Crown (the government). It involved land in the Lake Huron area. Through this treaty, certain lands were set aside as reserves for First Nations communities. Point Grondine 3 was one of these reserves.
Why Did the Community Move?
The Point Grondine First Nation decided to move from this area in the 1940s. They joined the Wiikwemkoong community on Manitoulin Island. This move helped them stay connected as a larger group. In 1968, they officially became one with the Wiikwemkoong band.
The Land Before the Park
After the community moved, the Point Grondine area remained mostly empty. It was not used much until the idea for the park came along. The establishment of the park in 2015 brought new life and purpose to this historic land.
