GRANTS IN ACTION: Enhancing Our TWOEYEDS Project

GRANTS IN ACTION: Enhancing Our TWOEYEDS Project

With the support of a 2025 spring grant from Community Foundation Grey Bruce, Beaver Valley Destination Stewardship successfully enhanced its Indigenous-led TWOEYEDS (Tour Workshops of Ecological Youth Energize Destination Stewardship) Project by expanding partnerships, deepening community engagement, and strengthening opportunities for shared learning across the Beaver River watershed. The goal of the project was to extend Indigenous-led environmental awareness activities by adding partners and resources that would allow more meaningful and inclusive community participation. Through this funding, Beaver Valley Destination Stewardship was able to broaden the scope and impact of its TWOEYEDS experiences in ways not included in the original Ontario Trillium Foundation funding.

Strengthening Indigenous-Led Environmental Learning

Grant funding supported essential activity rentals, including transportation, venues, and additional big canoes, while also enabling the organization to engage more Indigenous guides and storytellers. These additions enhanced the two-eyed seeing experience for public participants by bringing Indigenous knowledge, storytelling, and relational learning more fully into each event. The funding also supported a face-painting artist to engage children at the Butterfly Frolic event, as well as an additional venue rental for relationship-building and deeper exploration of two-eyed seeing concepts with a regional group. These enhancements allowed events to respond organically to community interests while remaining grounded in Indigenous guidance and ethical practice.

A Collaborative, Relationship-First Approach

The TWOEYEDS Project operates under a Collaborative Agreement between Beaver Valley Destination Stewardship, the Osprey Museum, and Bagida’waad Alliance. Together, these partners represent the watershed host community, settler heritage perspectives, and Indigenous worldviews, working within a relationship-before-agenda framework. The collaboration follows OCAP™ principles and respects Indigenous rights under UNDRIP, ensuring cultural knowledge is shared appropriately and with permission. These values were woven into event planning, facilitation, and communication, with participants introduced to these principles through invitation materials and shared learning spaces.

Meaningful Community Engagement

Participation was intentionally limited to smaller groups to support respectful dialogue, relationship-building, and meaningful exchange. Across all events, more than 150 community members took part in TWOEYEDS Experiences. Many participants attended multiple events, becoming ongoing supporters of watershed stewardship efforts. Through guided “rounds,” participants shared stories, questions, and reflections in circles informed by Indigenous practice and ethical space principles. These gatherings brought together science, heritage, settler, and personal perspectives, creating deeper connections and shared understanding.

Voices from the Community

Feedback from participants reflected the value of combining environmental education with Indigenous knowledge and community connection:

“It seemed like the events were high demand, so maybe more of them. Definitely the combination of learning about our area and environment with the lead of Indigenous culture and knowledge is important to me.”

“It’s great to make the organization very connected to the local community.”

“I am a huge fan of all the work you do. It takes time, commitment, and passion to do what BVDS does for our community. Thank you very much, it is greatly appreciated.”

Deepening Stewardship and Shared Responsibility

By supporting Enhancing Our TWOEYEDS Project, Community Foundation Grey Bruce helped Beaver Valley Destination Stewardship expand Indigenous-led learning, strengthen ethical collaboration, and create inclusive spaces for environmental awareness and relationship-building. This investment allowed the project to grow organically, respond to community energy, and deepen shared stewardship of the Beaver River watershed. We are proud to support initiatives that center Indigenous leadership, foster meaningful community relationships, and encourage care for the natural environments that connect us all. For more information about Beaver Valley Destination Stewardship, check out their website https://thebeautifulbeavervalley.ca

You can find the TWOEYEDS (Tour Workshops of Ecological Youth Energize Destination Stewardship) Project  feautured in the 2026 Vital Signs report on page 33. Visit here to download Vital Signs.