Welcome to Wàwàtesì

A cultural preservation & community well-being transportation strategy for the downtown Bancroft portion of the Hastings Heritage Trail, designed to promote recreation, economic prosperity, cultural tourism, and healthier, safer living for all people.

Improving safety with solar lighting.

Wàwàtesì has created a brighter, safer path through the core of Bancroft. The Municipal Office, North Hastings Heritage Museum, Riverside Chateau Seniors Center & many local businesses lie directly along the trail, with many more just moments away.

Increasing accessibility.

Wàwàtesì adds thirteen new solar lights & nine benches, stretching from the footbridge at Millennium Park to Bridge Street. We're making the trail easier to enjoy for all ages.

Extending usability.

We're encouraging cycling by offering convenient and secure bike parking. Bike-friendly environments support healthier lifestyles & align with environmental goals by promoting sustainable transportation.

Original artwork by Sherry Crawford

Artwork featured along Wàwàtesì was created by Algonquin artist Sherry Crawford.Sherry's interpretation of the Seven Grandfather Teachings emphasizes universal values & the importance of living a balanced, harmonious life.

A safer multi-use trail experience.

Wàwàtesì creates a safer trail experience and promotes healthy, active living, by encouraging a spirit of cooperation & shared well-being.

Safety first.

Learn how to share this scenic area respectfully, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Watch the videos

Finding new experiences.

Wàwàtesì has developed a series of wayfinding signs to help locals & tourists navigate to the many interesting experiences along the trail.

A living, vibrant translation of Algonquin culture.

Wàwàtesì facilitates the recovery and reclamation of our language in natural spaces with important contemporary significance and deep historical roots.

Made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation through their Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund & Road Safety Community Partnership Program.

The views expressed on this website and accompanying publications are the views of Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario.

Additional funding provided by the Community Services Recovery Fund through the Community Foundation for Lennox & Addington.

The views expressed on this website and accompanying publications are the views of Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini and do not necessarily reflect those of our funders.

Special thanks to the KMM Team & a growing list of supporters: Town of Bancroft, Hastings County, Township of Limerick, Community Futures Development Corporation, North Hastings Children's Services (NHCS), Bancroft Business Improvement Area (BBIA), Bancroft Ontario Provincial Police, Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance, North Hastings Community Integration Association, North Hastings Community Trust, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, Ascend LPP, North Hastings Community Cupboard, Bancroft Youth Unlimited, McMichael Jewellers, Bancroft Golf Course, Vance Motors & It Stix Signs & Graphics Inc.

We hold a deep belief in the importance of sustainable tourism and cultural preservation on ancestral lands. Learn more about our Business & Tourism Portfolio.