The philosophy for Bridgeworks is very simple: Community First.
Whether it is the region’s creative community, the Central neighbourhood where the venue stands, or the greater Hamilton community, Bridgeworks operates with a view to serving a variety of constituencies.
For the arts community, this means creating a friendly, affordable, inclusive and accessible arts centre in downtown Hamilton.
For the community that enfolds Bridgeworks, this means being considerate neighbours and strong advocates for the neighbourhood.
At the foundation of its diverse array of programming, the space exists as a community hub. It has hosted meetings of the Central Neighbourhood Association, serves as gathering hall for the RCSCC Lion, and welcomes all.
Land Acknowledgement
Bridgeworks recognizes and acknowledges that it resides upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Chonnonton/Attawonderon (Neutral), Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississauga nations.
The land on which Bridgeworks stands is covered by Sewatokwà:tshera, the Dish with One Spoon Wampum. This agreement, made between the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee nations, was made to ensure that the lands and resources around the Great Lakes were properly cared for, and that all nations sharing this territory would do so responsibly, respectfully and sustainably.
This territory is also covered by Tékeni Teyohá:te Kaswentah, the Two Row Wampum, made between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Dutch, signifying that these distinct nations, their cultures and traditions, could coexist without either being assimilated by the other.
Bridgeworks further acknowledges that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Treaty No. 3, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We share this land and celebrate its gifts, and are thankful to live and work in a place that has sustained human activity for over 10,000 years.
As settlers, we acknowledge our responsibility to listen, learn, and evolve in the spirit of historic covenants as well as take on the important work of reconciliation. In doing so, we seek to forge new and respectful relationships with the Indigenous nations of this region and throughout Turtle Island.
We strive to work collaboratively to keep the importance of our shared history, friendship and future relationships in our minds and hearts, and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.