​Bruce County’s first cultural symposium creates connections, sparks collaborative opportunities

Community members attended Bruce County’s first cultural symposium, “Common Ground: Connecting Through Culture,” Wednesday, at the Chesley Community Centre.

The day began with a greeting by Elder Shirley John and remarks by Bruce County warden Luke Charbonneau, who noted the vital role cultural organizations play in planning events, creating art in all its varied media, and inspiring our communities.

Attendees heard from keynote speaker Heather Keam of the Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement, who inspired participants to explore new ways of fostering a culture of volunteerism.

She addressed the decline in volunteerism, explored the underlying causes, and discussed the unique challenges faced by rural community groups. She also emphasized the vital role volunteers play in sustaining and advancing rural initiatives, calling on participants to embrace change, adapt, and foster a strong culture of volunteerism.

Participants built meaningful connections through Heather Travis’ guided networking session. It featured personalized prompts and actionable tips to carry momentum beyond the event. Her hands-on art sessions encouraged attendees to tap into their creativity and engage with culture in a personal and reflective way.

The county’s Cultural Action Plan steering committee presented an update on the plan, outlining progress on key initiatives supporting the growth and development of the arts and culture sector in the county.

An afternoon highlight saw students from the Bluewater District School Board and Sacred Heart High School offer their perspectives in a youth engagement session. Their thoughtful insights into local culture added vibrant energy to the day’s discussions.

“The symposium brought together a mix of people and perspectives,” says Brooke McLean, director of library services. “It was a chance to exchange ideas, explore creative approaches and reflect on the role culture plays in our communities. Many participants left with new connections and a few fresh ideas to take back to their work across the county.”

A continuous theme throughout the day recognized the value of volunteerism and its essential contribution to the success of rural communities and the region’s welcoming spirit. The sharing of practical strategies to adapt and thrive in a changing landscape will help to ensure these traditions may continue.

Learn more about the Cultural Action Plan and how to connect with culture in Bruce County at www.brucecounty.on.ca/culture.