Celebrating 20 years as a UNESCO biosphere!
The Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere was designated in 2004 as a region of global ecological significance that makes an ongoing commitment to strive for a sustainable and equitable region. Along eastern Georgian Bay and inland, from the French River to the Severn River, people are inspired to work together to care for people & place. The Georgian Bay Biosphere is situated within Anishinaabek territory, and respects the First Nations and Indigenous people that continue to care for land, air, and water of Mnidoo-gamii, Spirit of the Great Lake.
“The Bay is an amazing resource we must share; seasonal cottager, transient tourist and year rounders… and we must all respect the Bay to ensure the next ‘seven generations’ will have the good fortune to be amazed like we were.”
– Tonia Blenkarn, Past Board Member
About Us
The Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) is a registered Canadian charity and non-profit organization. We are a dynamic community-based network that works with partners to protect the environment, report on the State of the Bay, take climate action, create vibrant communities and support a healthy economy through education and culture.
We invite you to get involved!
Learn Anishinaabemowin
Indigenous languages of the land are urgently being reclaimed and revitalized. Our work supports language learners of all ages, and pays respect to the Creator’s gift of Anishinaabemowin (formerly known as Ojibwe). We recognize that language adapts as various dialects from around the Great Lakes, along with Mohawk and Cree words, can all be heard in the region today.
Please visit our Cultural Resources page for some local sources, or visit our YouTube channel for the #MowinMonday playlist prepared by the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth. A written language lesson with pronunciation of the double vowel system is shared in an article by Dr. Brian McInnes called The Language of the Bay.
To pronounce our full name, Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere, say: Min-i-doh gumee (meaning Great Lake of the Spirit or Georgian Bay). Thank you, Miigwech.