The Basadinaa Experience in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area on the Trans Canada Trail
“Biindigen | Wa’tkwanonhwerá:ton (Welcome) to the Basadinaa Experience in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. Basadinaa is Anishinaabemowin, the language spoken by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, meaning ‘in the valley’.”
The Basadinaa Experience is an “Indigenous-led trail signage journey” that invites trail users to immerse themselves in an Indigenous cultural and historical experience in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
“The project aimed to educate the public who walk the trails, enhance our environmental education programs and strengthen the relationship with the Hamilton Conservation Authority and Indigenous communities,” says Joel Konik with the HCA.
The project was imagined of by the Hamilton Conservation Authority, in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) and Six Nations of the Grand River, along with several project partners and funders. It opened in June 2025.
Photo credit: Heidi Tillmanns
Signage covering a wide range of topics
The Hamilton Conservation Authority received funding from Trans Canada Trail and local partners – the Hamilton Conservation Foundation, Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism RTO3, and others – to develop a series of educational panels and install them along the new Basadinaa Indigenous Trail, not far from the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail, a section of the Trans Canada Trail.
The 13 signs that make up the experience cover a variety of topics, from the Between the Lakes Treaty No. 3 to the Haudenosaunee Creation Story, birds, wildlife and water, and many more.
Both Anishinaabemowin, the language spoken by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Kanien’kéha, one of the language spoken by Six Nations of the Grand River, are highlighted as part of the Basadinaa Experience, in recognition and honour of the knowledge shared by each nation.
Photo credit: Heidi Tillmanns
An opening ceremony and celebration
The signage was installed in the spring of 2025, and an opening ceremony was held in June 2025. Heidi Tillmanns, Trans Canada Trail’s Director, Trail Infrastructure and Funding, was in attendance. “The Basadinaa Experience is a great example of how local projects can strengthen the national trail network. It’s not just about sharing information — it’s about creating moments that make people stop, think and connect. For us at Trans Canada Trail, this kind of project shows what truth and reconciliation can look like on the ground — learning from the land and the Indigenous communities who continue to care for it,” says Heidi.
Find the Basadinaa Experience along the Mail Loop Trail in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, near the Trail Centre. Hamilton Conversation Authority encourages trail users to “take their time, reflect, and walk the path with openness and curiosity.”
Photo credit: Heidi Tillmanns
About Trans Canada Trail’s funding opportunities
Trans Canada Trail provided funding for the Basadinaa Experience through the Trail Catalyst Fund’s signage funding stream.
Trans Canada Trail provides funding for signage design, content development, consultation with Indigenous groups, manufacturing, permissions and installation. Find more information about signage best practices guidelines here, and apply for funding here.
Learn more about Trans Canada Trail’s commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation here.
Find out more about funding opportunities with Trans Canada Trail’s Trail Catalyst Fund.
Main photo credit: Heidi Tillmanns
