Growing communities in Canada's most diverse city: Welcome to the Aaniin Community Centre

MARKHAM, ON — July 12, 2018 – The City of Markham's new Aaniin Community Centre & Library was designed with Markham’s diverse community in mind. This community centre invites diverse peoples of all backgrounds to collaborate, share knowledge and celebrate Indigenous tradition and values, including the seven grandfather teachings of respect, love, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth.

Aaniin [ah-nee] means ‘hello’ or ‘welcome’ in Ojibway. "This represents our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This also represents our partnership with Eabametoong First Nation, a collaboration between our two communities that creates an opportunity to learn from one another. By saying hello or welcome, we are celebrating our diversity as Canada’s most diverse community, not just culturally, but by creating spaces for people and all abilities to enjoy and use.”

In 2017, Markham signed a historic accord with Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope. The agreement of cultural collaboration is a first-of-its-kind between a Canadian urban municipality and a remote northern First Nation community. Aaniin is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of southeast Markham and further honours Markham’s partnership with Eabametoong First Nation.

With unique and incredible features like the glow-in-the-dark multisensory room for children with developmental disabilities, a triple gymnasium, teaching kitchen, a Makerspace that houses a 3D printer and laser cutter, a rock climbing wall in the pool, digital training rooms, creation studios, and a common room the size of an airport hangar, Aaniin Community Centre & Library is unlike any other community centre you have seen before!

Join the City of Markham on Saturday, July 14 for a free, jam-packed day of fun for the entire family as we celebrate the grand opening of Markham's newest facility. Enjoy cupcake decorating, 3D printing, virtual reality games and much, much more! Treat your taste buds at one of many on-site food trucks, experience the best that Markham has to offer with a full evening of entertainment starting at 7:30 p.m., and cap off the night with fireworks at sunset.
 

What:

Aaniin Community Centre & Library Grand Opening Celebration 

When:

Saturday, July 14, 2018 
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where:

Aaniin Community Centre & Library 
5665 14th Avenue, Markham

Who:

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti 
Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario 
Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services and MP Markham-Stouffville 
Mary Ng, MP Markham-Thornhill 
Logan Kanapathi, MPP Markham-Thornhill 
Members of Markham Council  
J’net Ayayqwayaksheelth, Indigenous Arts Educator

Feature Events

For full event schedules and to learn more, visit markham.ca/aaniin.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416-671-2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684