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Message 2025 BRINGING BACK THE LANGUAGES CONFERENCE a successful and memorable event2025
OUR MISSIONTO SUPPORT URBAN FIRSTNATIONS, MÈTIS, AND INUITPEOPLE IN PURSUING MNOBIMAADZIWIN THROUGHQUALITY PROGRAMMING THATWELCOMES THEPARTICIPATION OF OUR NON-INDIGENOUS NEIGHBOURS. WEADVOCATE FOR FULL URBANINDIGENOUS SOCIAL ANDCULTURAL RESURGENCE ANDECONOMIC PROSPERITY.T A B L EO FC O N T E N T SSpring DinnerMessage from KathyApril Moon, Indian Day School Class ActionIndigenous Children’s & Youth MHACriminal Court Worker ProgramApatisiwin employment & Training Language Conference Testimonials Red Dress DayHorse-abilitySDHSPPOW WOWShake, Rattle, and Roll2SLGBTQIA+ Sharing Circle2 Spirit Gender Based Violence AwarenessEvent345-66-78910-1112131415161718Cultural Resource Program19
As we head into warmer weather, we hope to see you at the next Membership Dinner on April 17th. Pleaseremember to bring your valid Membership card, and ensure your Membership is up to date. Doors will openat 5 pm. Red Dress Day will be here soon, with a gathering planned at the waterfront on May 5th. Pow wowpreparations are underway, and it will once again be at Lee Park, June 7 and 8th. I'm so looking forward to it.We are planning a golf tournament to raise funds for the pow wow, and if you'd like to sponsor a hole or putin a team, please feel free to reach out to Traci, our event planner at events@nbifc.org or call her at (705)472-2811 ext. 249. The exact date of the tournament will be released soon! It's no secret that the costs of everythinghave and continue to go up, so your donations and sponsorships keep our community pow wow free toattend. th I want to say chi-miigwetch to all of the community organizations and partners that have been stepping upand working with our staff to coordinate great events and activities throughout the city, workingcollaboratively is so effective and it shows. The drum socials hosted by the NBIFC, Niijaansinaanik, and FirstPeoples Centre at Canadore is one great example of people coming together to create something special forthe community, with the last event on March 25 having over 60 people of all ages attend. It was a great timefor everyone, and yet again demonstrates the importance of our people supporting each other, and howhealing can come through community. th Miigwetch for being part of it all. Kathy FortinKathy FortinExecutive DirectorNorth Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre Due to the long delivery times andexcessive cost, the NBIFC will no longer beMAILING OUT the monthly newsletter. Youcan continue to receive the newsletterthrough email, on our website, or drop bythe Centre to get a paper copy. Please email reception at reception@nbifc.org toensure you receive your monthly e-newsletter.Miigwetch for your understanding. Aniin,I hope this month's newsletter finds you enjoying the on-and-off-againSpring we've been having. I want to take a minute to say chi-miigwetch toeach and every one of you who were able to attend the Bringing Back OurLanguages Conference. It was wonderful to see so many people there andhaving the opportunity to learn about more than one language was sospecial. There were so many moments of connecting, and you really couldfeel the spirit at the event. The NBIFC is committed to continuing to help allof our Indigenous languages and ways remain so they can be passed on tothe generations coming up behind us; because our traditional languages, likeour ceremonies, crafts, and gatherings, are part of who we are. Executive Directors MessageIMPORTANT NOTICE
SUCKER MOON:NMEBIN-GIIZISSUCKER MOON:NMEBIN-GIIZISMoons in OtherRegions:Iskigamizige-giizis/Skigamizige-giizis(Boiling Sap Moon) Maango-giizis (LoonMoon) Namebin Giizis(Suckerfish Moon)Indian Day School Class ActionNearly 17,700 Claimants have not had their claimsprocessed by the Claims Administrator due to missingInformation on their Claims Form.Due to these incomplete claims, the Federal Court hasestablished a deadline of June 27, 2025 for claimants tosubmit any required missing information.Actions to Take:Check Claim status Submit Missing InformationSupport Available:Free Legal Assistance: Claimants can contact 1-844-539-381524/7 Mental Health Support: Emotional and mentalwellness resources are available through Hope forWellness at 1-855-242-3310
T H E P R O G R A M I S D E S I G N E D T O S U P P O R TT H E M E N T A L W E L L N E S S A N D D E V E L O P M E N TO F U R B A N I N D I G E N O U S C H I L D R E N A N DY O U T H . I T I S A S E R V I C E T H A T O F F E R SI N D I V I D U A L O R G R O U P C O U N S E L L I N G ,T H E R A P Y , C R I S I S A N D / O R B R I E FI N T E R V E N T I O N A N D S U P P O R T G R O U P S .C H I L D R E N A N D Y O U T H U S U A L L Y R E Q U I R EO U R S E R V I C E S W H E N T H E R E I S A NI D E N T I F I E D N E E D F O R E M O T I O N A L ,S O C I A L , B E H A V I O R A L , A D J U S T M E N T A N DP S Y C H I A T R I C S U P P O R T . W E O F F E R AC U L T U R A L L Y S A F E A N D C O N F I D E N T I A LS P A C E F O R C H I L D R E N , Y O U T H A N DF A M I L I E S T O A C Q U I R E T H E S U P P O R T T H E YN E E D .E L I G I B I L I T Y F O R O U R P R O G R A M I S B A S E DO N T H E F O L L O W I N G C R I T E R I A :C H I L D R E N A N D Y O U T H A G E S 0 - 1 8S E L F - I D E N T I F Y A S I N D I G E N O U S , M E T I S O RI N U I T , S T A T U S O R N O N - S T A T U SU R B A N I N D I G E N O U S L I V I N G I N N O R T HB A YINDIGENOUSCHILDREN’S & YOUTHM E N T A L H E A L T H & A D D I C T I O N SM E L I S S A M I N O R M H A W 1 @ N B I F C . O R G( 7 0 5 ) 4 7 2 - 2 8 1 1 E X T . 2 4 7S A R A H L E D O U X M H A W 2 @ N B I F C . O R G( 7 0 5 ) 4 7 2 - 2 8 1 1 E X T . 3 4 8C H I L D R E N ’ S W E L L N E S ST O O L B O X E S 1 O N 1 S E S S I O N S W I T H C H I L D R E N W H OA R E R E G I S T E R E D W I T H T H EC H I L D R E N ’ S / Y O U T H M E N T A L H E A L T H &A D D I C T I O N S .C H I L D R E N L E A R N A N E W S T R A T E G Y T OH A N D L E T O D A Y ’ S L I F E C H A L L E N G E S .L E A D E R S H I P B O O T C A M P1 2 W E E K S O F C O M M I T M E N T W O R K I N G W I T H Y O U T H W H O A R ER E G I S T E R E D W I T H T H EC H I L D R E N ’ S / Y O U T H M E N T A LH E A L T H & A D D I C T I O N S W H OW A N T T O M A K E A D I F F E R E N C EI N O U R C O M M U N I T Y , L E A R NL E A D E R S H I P S K I L L S A N DD I S C O V E R W H A T M A K E S T H E MS O A W E S O M E !O P E N G Y MC H I L D R E N ’ S O P E N G Y M A P L A C E T OB U R N O F F E N E R G Y & M E E T N E WF R I E N D S !G R I E F W O R K S H O P SC H I L D R E N ’ S G R O U P A G E S : 5 - 1 2S T O R Y B O O K S & H U G P I L L O W S Y O U T H G R O U P A G E S : 1 3 - 1 8W A L K I N G W I T H G R I E F 2 P A R TW O R K S H O P & S H A R I N G C I R C L E A D U L T G R O U P W A L K I N G W I T H G R I E F 4 P A R TW O R K S H O P C E D A R F O O T B A T H & S H A R I N GC I R C L E P R O G R A M S :
1218216 7 8 910101113 14 15 16 1717 1920 22 23 2424 25 2628 2927Sunday Monday Thursday Friday SaturdayTuesday Wednesday541 2 3330Open Gym3:00 4:30Must Sign UpMovie Theatre 3:00 4:30Must Sign UpOpen Gym3:00 4:30Must Sign UpOUT OF THE OFFICEOUT OF THE OFFICEOUT OF THE OFFICEOUT OF THE OFFICELeadership Bootcamp3:30-5:00Must Sign up Leadership Bootcamp3:30-5:00Must Sign up Leadership Bootcamp3:30-5:00Must Sign up Leadership Bootcamp3:30-5:00Must Sign up Leadership Bootcamp3:30-5:00Must Sign up Leadership Bootcamp3:30-5:00Must Sign up Leadership Bootcamp3:30-5:00Must Sign up Leadership Bootcamp3:30-5:00Must Sign up Youth Grief Workshop3:30-4:30Easter Egg Hunt Must Sign UpYouth Grief Workshop3:30-4:30OUT OF THE OFFICEYouth Grief Workshop3:30-4:30Deliver services to all Indigenouspeople in strict confidenceProvide information regardingcriminal court proceduresProvide details regarding anarrest and ensure thatindividuals are aware of theirlegal rights and obligations Guide clients through the variousstages within the court systemObtain Indigenous language &cultural interpreters whenrequiredProvide surety information Diversion advocation Victim assistance Criminal Court Worker ProgramThe goal of the ICCWProgram is to helpIndigenous People who arein conflict with the CriminalJustice SystemThe Criminal Court WorkerProgram provides various courtrelated supports and assistsclients in navigating the legalsystem. We advocate in orderthat our clients receive fair andequitable treatment. SERVICES:Define and outline bailspecfication and what thismeans for clients Provide referral servicesand interaction withcommunity partners toensure seamless transitionto resourcesWork closely with NILOsupport services whenrequired Attend jails to provideinformation and moralesupportLiason between clients andtheir famlies in prepartionfor release planWE DO NOT: Provide legal adviceSupervise Bail, Probation or ParoleAct as Language Interpreter INDIGENOUSCHILDREN’S & YOUTHM E N T A L H E A L T H & A D D I C T I O N SChildren’s Mental Health Toolboxes3:30-4:30Must Sign UpChildren’s Mental Health Toolboxes3:30-4:30Must Sign Up
INDIGENOUS FAMILY COURT WORKER PROGRAMINDIGENOUS FAMILY COURT WORKER PROGRAMAnother Successful Job Fair!(705) 472 2811 Ext. 245 fwc@nbifc.org nbifc.org The Indigenous Family Court Program provides various courtrelated supports to Indigenous youth involved in the criminaljustice system, separating couples involved in family court,and Indigenous families dealing with child welfare matters The Indigenous Family Court Program provides various courtrelated supports to Indigenous youth involved in the criminaljustice system, separating couples involved in family court,and Indigenous families dealing with child welfare matters The FCW Program goals include the advocation for fair treatment, andensuring that clients understand their rights, responsibilities, andoptions while navigating the Judicial system The FCW Program goals include the advocation for fair treatment, andensuring that clients understand their rights, responsibilities, andoptions while navigating the Judicial system Your paragraph textYour paragraph textLast Month, our Human Resources departmentand our Apatisiwin Program Coordinators pulledtogether a fantastic opportunity for job seekers,and those seeking training for careers. The eventwas well attended, with prizes, lunch and greatswag for everyone to take home. Chi-miigwetch to all that attended, we wish youthe best in your employment and educationgoals. Miigwetch to everyone who set up a booth, whichincluded:Laurentian UniversityKeepers of the CircleThe Algonquin RegimentThe Anishinabek Police Service Gezhtoojig Employment and Training Yes! EmploymentIndigenous & Community Engagement
Cultural Resources ProgramThe Cultural Resource Coordinator is here to strengthenconnections to Indigenous culture through meaningfulprograms, services, and support. From one-on-one counselingand cultural teachings to ceremonies and community activities,this role is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of well-beingand positive Indigenous identity.Through a variety of cultural approaches, the CRC programempowers individuals and families with the knowledge,traditions, and support needed to build a strong foundation forhealthier futures.Over the winter (biiboon) we have held Full Moon Ceremonies at Big Medicine Studio at their tipi. SidBob and Penny Couchie have been incredibly kind in allowing us to use that space. We will have onemore Full Moon Ceremony there since the snow seems to be slow leaving us. One of the best parts of my work is going on into the community, meeting people of all ages. AtEastholme, I did a presentation about Anishinaabe culture from the bit I’ve learned so far, and sharedabout how we see the world. I brought handmade items with me, demonstrating the incredible ingenuityof our people in making the most beautiful, and practical items all from things harvested here. I also went to Ecole Heritage, where a packed room ofGrade 5 students, their teachers and I had a great timetalking about the medicine wheel, how it represents somany things, how it may look different depending onwhere someone is from, and so much more. It was great seeing their faces when I told them thatIndigenous people have been living here for a very,very long time. How long? 5000 years BEFORE thePyramids in Egypt were built. We talked about plants and animals. They guessed whatfurs I had with me, and what animals they could havecome from. It was a really special day, and I really hopethey enjoyed it as much as I did. As we’re heading deeper into Ziigwan (Spring), we’rebeginning to plan firekeeper teachings, and communitysweats. If you would like to participate in either of thesethings, please get in touch, I will add you to the list, soonce we have a date set, we’ll let you know! crc@nbifc.org or call (705)472-2811 ext. 242.Sandra Thorkelson
Pre-Employment Training Access to local job listings & jobboardTelephone, Internet, & ComputerAccessPhotocopy & Fax ServicesResume & Cover Letter Support Job Search SupportAccess to WorkshopsResource MaterialsNetworking OpportunitiesPre-Career Development &Exploration Securing paid on the jobtraining opportunitiesSelf-Employment Supports Employment SupportsStudent Summer JobsFunding for TrainingStay in School InitiativeYouth InternshipsApprenticeshipsLet us help you find a path to success!RESOURCE CENTRESERVICES Apatisiwin is an Indigenous employment and trainingprogram that offers skills development and trainingopportunities to eligible participants living in North Bay andsurrounding area(705) 472 2811 Ext. 202 or 243 apatisiwin@nbifc.org apatisiwin2@nbifc.org nbifc.org Your paragraph textYour paragraph textYour paragraph textRegistered ClientPrograms
The 2025 Bringing Back the Languagesconference was a great success with over130 attendees over the course of the twoday event. Knowledge holders, languagespeakers and learners all enjoyed thediversity and breadth of the offerings atthis years event. The 2025 Bringing Back the Languagesconference was a great success with over130 attendees over the course of the twoday event. Knowledge holders, languagespeakers and learners all enjoyed thediversity and breadth of the offerings atthis years event. Presenters included:Evelyn McLeod,Bernice Koosees,Zipporah Nachasak,Richard Assinewai,Henry Friday, NinaSegalowitz, BeverlyNaokwegijig “I felt it was veryempowering as someonewho didn’t exactly grow upwith my culture in myfamily. I felt it was nice tofeel seen and heard and formy culture to beappreciated by everyone inthe room” —KatelynnRestoule“I felt it was veryempowering as someonewho didn’t exactly grow upwith my culture in myfamily. I felt it was nice tofeel seen and heard and formy culture to beappreciated by everyone inthe room” —KatelynnRestoule“My biggest take away is thateverybody struggles with a loss of theirlanguage and loss of their culture insome form, and that sometimes it feelslike you’re alone in not knowing how togo get to your culture and stuff. It’s astruggle right across the board andyou’re not really alone in that” – AshleySeguin “I was here with my daughterCiara, we were doing Inuit throatsinging workshop, and for mecoming here was really importantbecause as Inuit we tend to beblended in to the First Nations,which doesn’t honour ourdifferences and ourdistinctiveness as we do not havethe same belief system, the samemedicines, and things like that. Oreven the fact how we werenomadic and that our foodsupplies being very different. Sojust being separate and given thespace as Inuit is very important. Iwas really inspired to learn mylanguage. I am a 60’s scoopsurvivor, so being able to besupported by a whole group ofpeople who are also learning theirFirst Nation language was reallyinspiring to take the steps myself.And what I take away from ismore friendships from acrossTurtle Island, and I met otherInuit that really supported me,and Zippy is a really incredibleElder, she really lifted me rightup.” -- Nina Segalowitz: “I was here with my daughterCiara, we were doing Inuit throatsinging workshop, and for mecoming here was really importantbecause as Inuit we tend to beblended in to the First Nations,which doesn’t honour ourdifferences and ourdistinctiveness as we do not havethe same belief system, the samemedicines, and things like that. Oreven the fact how we werenomadic and that our foodsupplies being very different. Sojust being separate and given thespace as Inuit is very important. Iwas really inspired to learn mylanguage. I am a 60’s scoopsurvivor, so being able to besupported by a whole group ofpeople who are also learning theirFirst Nation language was reallyinspiring to take the steps myself.And what I take away from ismore friendships from acrossTurtle Island, and I met otherInuit that really supported me,and Zippy is a really incredibleElder, she really lifted me rightup.” -- Nina Segalowitz:
“I’m Inuk from Labrador.My favorite part of theevent was when Nina goteveryone to write downadvice for learninglanguage. It was reallyinspiring.”-- AnikaNochasak Pigott“I was happy to be invited to do a presentation on Inuit culture and I can't name onefavourite event—there was so many. I was really happy to be invited to come to Bring OurLanguages Back. The one I can think of most was when Nina, presented about Inuktitutlanguage to little kids. They kept coming back to our table and wanted to know ‘how to saythis’ in Inuktitut. So, they gave me a list of English words that I translated for them so theycan practice. They wanted to share some words on the workshop. They just wanted to sayhow happy there were.”-- Zipporah Nochasak “I was happy to be invited to do a presentation on Inuit culture and I can't name onefavourite event—there was so many. I was really happy to be invited to come to Bring OurLanguages Back. The one I can think of most was when Nina, presented about Inuktitutlanguage to little kids. They kept coming back to our table and wanted to know ‘how to saythis’ in Inuktitut. So, they gave me a list of English words that I translated for them so theycan practice. They wanted to share some words on the workshop. They just wanted to sayhow happy there were.”-- Zipporah Nochasak “If we lose our language, welose our ceremonies.”Richard Assinewai“His [Richard’s] poignantstatement about listeningclosely to Elders as theyspeak reminded me thatlearning is not merelyacademic; it is an actgrounded in respect forthose who came before us. Itinspired me to be moreengaged in my own learningjourney with languages” –Jennifer Diotte“His [Richard’s] poignantstatement about listeningclosely to Elders as theyspeak reminded me thatlearning is not merelyacademic; it is an actgrounded in respect forthose who came before us. Itinspired me to be moreengaged in my own learningjourney with languages” –Jennifer DiotteWhat stood out most during theseworkshops was not just the content, butthe connections formed betweenparticipants across different backgrounds.The shared laughter during bingo in Creeillustrated our collective effort to embracenew linguistic challenges together—anexperience that created camaraderiewithin our diverse group. – Jennifer DiotteWhat stood out most during theseworkshops was not just the content, butthe connections formed betweenparticipants across different backgrounds.The shared laughter during bingo in Creeillustrated our collective effort to embracenew linguistic challenges together—anexperience that created camaraderiewithin our diverse group. – Jennifer Diotte
Red Dress Art Contest Lunch Provided Drummers, Singers & DancersSpeakers & StoriesRed Dress Art Contest Lunch Provided Drummers, Singers & DancersSpeakers & StoriesRed Dress DayRed Dress DayMay 5, 2025 May 5, 2025 Group march fromNBIFC to Bandshell atthe Waterfront Group march fromNBIFC to Bandshell atthe Waterfront More Activities to beannounced!OpeningOpeningLunch at waterfrontLunch at waterfrontMemorial Stone paintingactivityMemorial Stone paintingactivity10:00 AM10:00 AM10:30 AM10:30 AM12:00 PM12:00 PM1:00 PM1:00 PM
Aanin, Family Support and Prenatal participants had theopportunity to attend Horse Ability with some ofour participants. It was such a great experience.The participants were able to connect with thehorses and participated in some activities that helpbuild building skills and confidence. Aanin, Family Support and Prenatal participants had theopportunity to attend Horse Ability with some ofour participants. It was such a great experience.The participants were able to connect with thehorses and participated in some activities that helpbuild building skills and confidence. Horse-ability“I must say it was a wonderfulmorning and experience; Loriand her team are amazing” –Cindy “I must say it was a wonderfulmorning and experience; Loriand her team are amazing” –Cindy “It was a greatexperience; Ideveloped adeepconnectionwith thehorses”-Kayla “The wholeexperience wasvery empowering”-Emma “The wholeexperience wasvery empowering”-Emma Mistatim (ᒥᐢᑕᑎᒼ) commonlyrefers to a ‘Horse’ in SwampyCree, but actually translates as‘big dog’
Applications in this round are to support Niibin-Dagwaagin 2025 seasonal food activities.Applications close April 7th.What is it ?The Self-DeterminedHousehold Support Programis meant to increase yourhousehold's/family's abilityto grow, hunt, harvest,process and store food.What weoffer :Our Self-DeterminedHousehold Supportprogram offers FirstNations in NorthernOntario $1000 forthose living in urban/rural communities and$2000 for those livingremotely.Self DeterminedHousehold SupportProgramhttps://www.facebook.com/gaagigezaagibigaa/https://www.instagram.com/gaagigezaagibigaa/Gaagige Zaagibigaa’s application link : https://forms.gle/pj86fNZo9sP86Ezt7
EMCEE: Bob GoulaisHEAD ELDERSPerry and Laurie McLeod-ShabogesicEMCEE: Bob GoulaisHEAD ELDERSPerry and Laurie McLeod-ShabogesicSUNDAYSunrise CeremonyGrand Entry 12 PM GiveawayJune 7 & 8 2025th thJune 7 & 8 2025th thPOW WOWPOW WOWSATURDAYSunrise CeremonyGrand Entry 12 PM & 7 PM Community Dinner5 PMLee Park800 Memorial Park Drive,North Bay, ON P1A 1T6North Bay Indigneous Friendship Centre 17 AnnualthRegistration Opens 10:30 AM each dayAll Registered Dancers PaidBring your Feast Bundle, Lawn Chair and Water BottleRegistration Opens 10:30 AM each dayAll Registered Dancers PaidBring your Feast Bundle, Lawn Chair and Water BottleNo Overnight CampingNo Dogs PleaseM A A M W I K I N D A A S W I NM A A M W I K I N D A A S W I N 50+ Indigenous Craft Vendorsmoccasins, earrings, art,clothing and more!Food Trucks/CanteenWater Truck on site 50+ Indigenous Craft Vendorsmoccasins, earrings, art,clothing and more!Food Trucks/CanteenWater Truck on siteHealing Through CommunityHealing Through CommunityVendors, Sponsorship, orfor more information: inquire@nbifc.org
SpringSpringDinnerDinner17APRIL 2025*Must have a valid Membership card*DOORS OPEN AT 5PM Join us for a delicious meal preparedby the NBIFC Staff and celebrateZiigwaan (Spring)!
ShakeRattle & StrollShakeRattle & StrollCome join us and walkEvery Monday Morning(Weather Permitting)from9:30am-11:30amFor Registered clientsFor more info Call Cindyor Kayla (705) 472-2811 Ext: 210/212Come join us and walkEvery Monday Morning(Weather Permitting)from9:30am-11:30amFor Registered clientsFor more info Call Cindyor Kayla (705) 472-2811 Ext: 210/212
The ActivitiesEvery Thursday AfternoonFrom2:00pm-4:00pmWalks | Parks | Healthy Foods |& More The GoodLivingProgramFor Registered clients, More info Contact Cindy Or Kayla (705-472-2811 Ext:210/212
Tie BlanketWorkshopFor Registered Clients OnlyTo Register Contact Kayla or Cindy (705)-472-2811 Ext: 210/212From 9:30-11:30am @ NBIFCApril 16th & 23rd 2025
Canadore CollegeFree Dental Care ForAdults & KidsContact meilssa.landry@canadorecollege.ca withyour name and number of people interestedA better life starts with a beautifulsmile.canadorecollege.ca/experience/wellness/dental-clinic