Top News - November - 2003
Powwow symbolizes cultural renewal
Businesses learn to operate in a global economy
Anishinabek Nation mourns passing
This is only a partial listing of the stories featured in the November 2003 issue of Birchbark. If you are not receiving your own copy of Birchbark, then you have missed out on a lot.Click here for Birchbark subscription information.
Powwow symbolizes cultural renewal
Margo Little, Birchbark Writer, Zhiibaahaasing
For First Nations with small population and remote locations, cultural renewal can be challenging. However, a small Native community nestled on Western Manitoulin has reached out to larger reserves for help in bringing the traditions home.
Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, formerly known as the Cockburn Island band, held its fifth annual powwow Oct. 25. The theme was Honouring Our Women.
"Our powwow has grown over the past five years," Chief Irene Kells said. "Because we are small, everybody helps out. There are only 54 people in the community, including kids and dogs.
"But even though we are small, it is important for our children to see the adults dancing, having fun and socializing. We need to bring the culture back; we need to bring it to life and show the young people this positive interaction.
"A lot of good things are happening in our community," she said in welcoming remarks.
"I want to thank all the men who got up early and set the sacred fire in the tipi; I want to thank all the women who cooked all night so that everyone could enjoy themselves today."
Master of ceremonies Kevin Mossip presided over the day-long program. Birch Island Elder Violet McGregor was invited to deliver the invocation. Elder Lillian Pitawanakwat presided over the smudging and healing ceremony.
Guest drummers Medicine Star and Eagle Rock played honour songs for head veteran Bill Antoine and guest veterans Victor Migwans and Ken Antoine.
Head dancers for the occasion were Leroy Eshkawkogan of Wikwemikong and Gmewin Migwans of M'Chigeeng. A special swearing in ceremony was held for newly elected band council members. Ken Antoine, Sharlene Panamick and Dorothy Blue signed the oath of office.
Chief Patrick Madahbee of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation brought greetings from his home community.
He commended Chief Kells and council for taking control of community development. "When all is said and done, it is important to understand that communities need to decide how they want to run things. That's true governance," he said.
"Sometimes we take for granted the fact that we are a very unique people, the Anishinabek," he told the gathering. "We need to remember that the people of Zhiibaahaasing are one of a kind; they are unique.
The Creator placed us here on Turtle Island and our creation stories tell us we have been here for thousands of years."
He reiterated his view that First Nations must stick together and remain unified on issues of mutual importance. "We need to have strong families and communities. Our strength is in our people. We need to support our leaders in trying to create a better life in our communities."
Businesses learn to operate in a global economy
Jolene Davis, Birchbark Writer, Thunder BayNorthwestern Ontario may be isolated geographically from large markets, but in this age of cyberspace it can still compete in the global economy.
Ideas, information, the drive to get the job done and the money for start-upare all that are required.
To put some fire under current and prospective business people, the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) and Thunder Bay Ventures presented the Getting Down To Business promotional event for entrepreneurs in Thunder Bayon Oct. 24. This date was chosen because it falls during Small Business Week.
Colleen Martin, senior executive assistant of NADF, and Royden Potvin, manager of Thunder Bay Ventures, explained how and why this first joint venture by the two organizations came about.
"NADF and Ventures formed a joint committee to see what business issues were current and where the real opportunities are. Right now, it seems as if exporting across the border is an expanding field."
"This seminar is part of an Ontario-wide effort to promote 60 organizations under CFDC (Community Futures Development Corporations). Working with the Aboriginal people of the district is certainly part of our plan. Thunder Bay Ventures just became part of Community Futures Development Corporations in April of 2002," Potvin said.
These two organizations do similar tasks of promoting businesses and entrepreneurs, but within somewhat different locations. Ventures covers an urban and semi-rural district; NADF covers remote Native communities with Thunder Bay at their hub.
The committee chose seminar topics to reflect what people wanted or needed to know: Export Readiness and Success, Tourism Opportunities in Northern Ontario, Entrepreneurship, Getting Experience to Run a Business, and Provincial Funding Programs for Students.
Students from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, were invited to hear the presentations.
Small business owners such as Lori Chaboyer, who is Métis, came to impart first-hand knowledge on business development. Her business is Moody Roots-she works with indoor and outdoor plants.
Her talk, themed If I Knew Then What I Know Now, emphasized the importance of support and not listening to negativity. Professionals were on hand to discuss funding programs and getting the experience to get started.
The location of Getting Down to Business was unique. The Village Square in a local mall was chosen, Potvin said, because it is visible and accessible.
"We'd like to raise awareness of what is available-bring it into a public forum," he said. "Going to an office setting to talk about your business plan or ask questions can be intimidating. We're bringing all this to the public."
This event was put on in partnership with Aboriginal Business Canada; Thunder Bay's tourism and economic development department; Fast Forward Thunder Bay; FedNor; Northern Access Centre for Native Business; Northern Ontario Development Network; Northern Ontario Native Tourism Association; Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association; the Métis Nation of Ontario; PARO (a Northwestern Ontario Women's Community Loan Fund); and Youth Employment Services.
Both Potvin and Martin felt Getting Down to Business was successful, and expect their organizations will do this again. For more information call Martin at (807) 623-5397 or Potvin at (807) 768-6650.
Anishinabek Nation mourns passingBirchbark Staff
Sheguiandah First Nation - On the evening of Nov. 2, Elder Max Assiniwe of Sheguiandah First Nation passed on. He had been a special spiritual advisor to the Union of Ontario Indians, the Anishinabek Nation Elder's Council, and to former grand council chief Vernon Roote.
Grand Council Chief Earl Commanda offered his condolences and asked for a period of mourning to honour the life and contributions of Assiniwe.
"Max's passing represents a tremendous loss for the Anishinabek Nation and the Union of Ontario Indians, and for those of us who have worked with him over the years," said Commanda. "We send our condolences to the family of Max, and we ask that you offer your tobacco and prayers during this difficult time."
Assiniwe, also known as Wabano Giizhig, Mukwa Dodemun, was a pipe carrier and traditional teacher who spent many years immersed in the teachings of the Anishinabe-Odawa. He was active in the traditional societies on Manitoulin Island, also an Elder/Advisor for the Métis Nation of Ontario. He was involved in carrying the Anishinabek Nation's traditional bundle, and was instrumental in the reintroduction of traditional protocol within the Anishinabek NationUnion of Ontario Indians' nationhood structure.
A wake was held Nov. 4 at the Sheguandah Community Centre, and the burial took place Nov. 7.
