First Nation Reclaims Batchewana Bay Church

Written by Batchewana First Nation on 15 May 2012

Photo courtesy BFN

BATCHEWANA FIRST NATION, ON – The Batchawana church, St. Isaac Jogues located on Highway 563 in Batchawana Village originally constructed in 1902 has officially been returned to the Batchewana First Nation (BFN). Batchewana Village has long hosted a catholic church but due to more recent trends that saw reductions in attendance the local diocese decided to close the church which resulted in the church sitting in a state of disrepair. At the same time Batchewana First Nation recognized a need for a community facility in Batchewana to host events and discussions commenced. A deal to return the property to Batachewana First nation in trust was finalized in the fall of 2011 and formal transfer was completed on January 18, 2012. The Chief and Council of Batchewana First Nation commend Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe for his understanding and cooperation in seeing this return.

To date Batchewana First Nation has provided training and certification to sixband members who have completed the clearing and brushing around the Church, the wood from the clearing was provided to elders in the areas.

On behalf of BFN Council, Chief Sayers commented, “ We must commend the tireless efforts of our community members in Batchawana village who never stopped fighting for the return of the Church. It is through their dedication that we can move forward with development, and planning that will be to the benefit of all of our citizens”.

Future plans for the church include renovations that will accommodate a community facility for ceremonial use, community events, programming, and a business incubation centre to facilitate economic growth.

A ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for May 17, 2012 at 11am and will include traditional ceremony, and community engagement. Both BFN and the Dioceses look forward to a continued relationship, which can enhance the quality of all lives in the Batchawana area.