Train of Thought pulls into the station in Nickel City

Philosophers, artists, writers, performers, spiritualists, elders and other deep thinkers gathered together at Bell Park on June 4 to perform a Water Ceremony as part of the cross-country tour “Train of Thought”.

“We are here to re-voice and reclaim the indigenous name of Ramsey Lake,” said Sarah King Gold, artistic director of Train of Thought's partner Myths & Mirrors.

“Its actual name is Bitimagamasing which roughly translates to 'The Water That Lies Beside The Hill' in Anishinaabewin, the language of the Ojibwe people."

The groups day of spiritual connection ended at 6 p.m. in Victory Park with a feast and celebration.

Train of Thought is an evolving anti-colonial arts journey from the West to the East Coast hatched by a group of artists who want to share cultural engagement practices and projects with First Nations.

The train has on-board activities and makes more than 20 stops along the way, at each of which a traveling company gets off until the next train comes through. Local arts organizations then host interactive events and add to creative tasks.

Additional travelers will hop aboard to join in conversations and art-making en route.

Their next stop is in Toronto on June 6-11.