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Victorian. TVictorian. TNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERAugust 2023August 2023North Bay Indigenous Friendship CentreNorth Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
TABLE OF CONTENTSIf your organization would like us to share any Indigenous-related events or activities in our newsletter,please email inquire@nbifc.org, we're happy to share! Executive Director's Message3Suswin Village Grand Opening Photos4 & 5Aboriginal Health Events6Strawberry Picking and delicious recipe7-9NBIFC Available Job Posting10Summer Student & World Hepatitis Day at Leger Square11Youth Council Update & OFIFC12NBIFC Community Quilt13New Staff & Ask The Aunties14International Overdose Awareness Day15Life Long Care Out and About16Open Mic Night & MMIP Awareness Walkers Stopped In17Men's Sharing Circle & Youth Drumming 18Cooked Beet Carpaccio19Wellbriety Movement: Balanced Being20Miskwaadesi part of Communities in Bloom Competition21Staff Directory222324Creative Trails Women's Art ExpressionNBIFC Photo Contest
Executive Director's MessageAniin Boozhoo, Wachay,I hope this newsletter finds everyone well; thispast month was another busy month, assummer is moving quickly. I would like to take this time to say ChiMiigwetch to the stellar staff here at the NBIFCfor everything they do. They keep thingsrolling here as a team, from the outstandingevents they create to ensuring that theprogram participants and our guests are takencare of. I am also so proud and happy to say that wehave finally established a youth council; thecouncil is overseen by NBIFC program workersbut is run by the Youth Council. Many of theactivities that the youth are interested inparticipating in include camping, attendingpowwows, and regalia making. After so manyyears of not having a youth council, it feels sogreat to have this up and running. The groupmeets once a month. Please stay tuned for ourQuarterly membership meetings, we are justworking on a date and are currently looking atmid-October.The Grand Opening of Suswin Village was abeautiful, inspirational and heartwarming day.Many of the funders were in attendance, andguest speakers such as Sylvia Maracle, Willie, aresident at Suswin Village, and our PresidentMaurice Switzer all spoke so well about oururban Indigenous communities and theimportance of places like Suswin Village indetermining how we support our own people.It's no secret to Indigenous people, butworking with spirit and good intention iseverything, and Suswin Village is theculmination of a truly heartfelt desire to createa healing home for our people, and it could befelt in the building and in the new beautifulbackyard. Miigwetch to all those whoattended..Recently, I attended the OFIFC 54thAnnual General Meeting, which took placein Ottawa. One of the many highlightswas welcoming two new FriendshipCentres to the Friendship Centremovement. We welcomed Elliot Lake andKingston, two cities, while very different,will definitely benefit from having aFriendship Centre. I hope each and everyone of you isenjoying the warmth of the summer;please stay safe.Miigwetch, Kathy Fortin Kathy Fortin, being Emcee at the Suswin Village Grand Opening, July 7th, 2023. NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 3
The Grand Opening of Suswin Village was wellattended and enjoyed by all, including the local newson July 7, 2023. A welcoming song was sung by IFCstaff, and Richard Assinewai was on hand to conducta special opening ceremony for the house and itsresidents. Many funders, donors and supporters had theopportunity to speak about what this kind of projectmeant to their organization or what aspects theywere involved in. For everyone the words from Willie,the unofficial representative of the residents ofSuswin Village were very meaningful and special.Willie, and the other residents were all sporting theirself made ribbon shirts and looked great. The gardens and patio was a beautiful backdrop forthe day, with the landscaping being completed andsettled just in time for everyone to be able to use thespace as it was intended. Suswin Village Grand Opening NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 4
NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 5Richard Assinewai presented an eagle feather to Becky Mathies, Manager, which now belongs to Suswin and will be used in talkingcircles, meetings, and whenever necessary.Suswin's Then, Richard had a particular song to share, and the NBIFC Eagle Staffand the Suswin Eagle feather led everyone into the building to enjoy abeautiful lunch prepared by Cheryl, the Wiisinadaa program worker. Doing things this way lets the spirit of the house know and understandthat construction is complete, and now this is a home for our people tocome to.
Contact: George Hughie 472-2811 Ext. 209 Contact: George Hughie 472-2811 Ext. 209 NORTHBAYINDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIPCENTRENORTHBAYINDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIPCENTREMen's Land-baseOuting Fish &ChipsAugust 16 or 17WeatherPermitting Men’s DrummingAugust 9 & 16& 306:00 – 8:00 PM Cree TalkingCircleAugust 156:00 – 7:30 PM OPEN MIC NIGHTAugust 226:00 - 9:00 PM Drinking WaterClass ActionFormsare available Provide BusPasses& Taxi servicesfor Doctor Appts. Clients Only Men's Land-baseOuting Fish &ChipsAugust 16 or 17WeatherPermitting Men’s DrummingAugust 9 & 16& 306:00 – 8:00 PM Cree TalkingCircleAugust 156:00 – 7:30 PM OPEN MIC NIGHTAugust 226:00 - 9:00 PM Drinking WaterClass ActionFormsare available Provide BusPasses& Taxi servicesfor Doctor Appts. Clients Only Men’s & Youth Night DrummingBy-weekly Wednesday’s 6:00 - 8:00 PMAboriginal Health Outreach ProgramMonthly Newsletters Events & ProgramsAboriginal Health Outreach ProgramMonthly Newsletters Events & ProgramsMONTH OF AUGUST 2023NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 6
Strawberry Picking at Leisure Farms ᐅᑌᐁᒥᐣ Otay'ayme'nOde'imin ᐅᑌᐦᐃᒥᓐ᙮ NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 7The heart berry helps us understandthe connection between the mind,body, spirit, and emotions. We need ourheart to guide us to maintain personalbalance. The heart berry also remindsus of reconciliation and teaches us howto maintain heartfelt relationships inour families and communities. Duringthe strawberry harvest in June, manycommunities hold annual feasts,welcoming everyone home and lettinggo of differences, judgment and self-righteousness. - Wabano Health Centre
Strawberry Picking - Continued 🍓Strawberry Picking - Continued 🍓NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 8
IngredientsVanilla Cake1 1/2 cups butter softened2 cups granulated sugar4 each eggs3 cups all-purpose flour1 cup whole wheat flour4 tsp baking powder2 2/3 cups milk 1%Yogurt Cream1 each vanilla bean split2 3/4 cups plain Greek yogurt1/2 cup icing sugar1 cup whipping cream 35%Garnish2 454 g containers fresh strawberries About 5 cups.2 tsp liquid honeyNBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 9Mile High Strawberry ShortcakePreheat oven to 350°F (180°C).In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar until well mixed; beat in eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla.In a separate bowl, whisk both flours with baking powder; stir into butter mixture in 2 additions, alternatingwith milk, until smooth.Divide batter evenly between 2 greased parchment-paper-lined 8-inch (1.2 L) round cake pans, smoothingtops.Bake on middle rack of oven until toothpick inserted into centre comes out clean, about 1 hour.Let cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan; let cool completely on rack. (Make-ahead: Wraplayers in plastic wrap and store in a resealable bag for up to 6 hours.)InstructionsVanilla Cake1.2.3.4.5.6.Yogurt CreamMeanwhile, with a paring knife, scrape vanilla seeds into yogurt; stir in icing sugar. Whip cream to form stiffpeaks; fold into yogurt mixture. Set aside in refrigerator.GarnishHull and quarter all but 1 cup (250 mL) of the strawberries.Cut remaining unhulled strawberries in half and reserve for another use. Toss quartered strawberries withhoney.With a serrated knife, cut cakes in half horizontally to create 4 equal layers. Place bottom layer, cut side up, ona cake plate. Top with one-third of the quartered strawberries; spoon one-quarter of the yogurt cream overtop. Repeat layers twice. Top with top layer of second cake, cut side down.Top with remaining cream and halved berries. Serve immediately.With all those strawberries in the fridge, there is nothing better than a strawberry shortcake!
WE ARE HIRING!Please Send Cover Letter, Resume and 3 References to:HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR Email: hrc@nbifc.orgAvailable PositionsWaaban WorkerIndigenous Children's Wellness WorkerIndigenous Mental Health and Wellness ProgramCoordinatorAPNP / Family Support AssistantCultural Resources CoordinatorSuswin Village Transitional House: Night ClientCare - CASUALIndigenous Healthy Babies, Healthy ChildrenProgram WorkerChildrens Mental Health WorkerPrograms CoordinatorEvents Planner NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 10NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 10
Meet Our Summer StudentAanin! Waiyce! Hello! My name is Tessa Pizzale, and I am the new summerstudent at the Friendship Centre working with all thedifferent NBIFC programs, including the Wasa-Nabinprogram, working closely with youth and the YouthCouncil. My family is from Moose Factory, ON and Igrew up in North Bay, ON. I love to create art in manyways and currently am working towards my Bachelor'sof Fine Arts at Nipissing University. I create differentindigenous crafts including leather regalia belts,ribbon skirts, jewelry, and paintings. I have alsoillustrated in multiple different children’s booksincluding 3 local children’s books by Dennis Chippa. Ilove working closely with my community and workingwith my culture and traditions. NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 11On Thursday, July 27, from 11 am - 2 pm, the AIDS Committee of NorthBay & Area hosted an awareness event and BBQ at Leger Squareoutside of City Hall to support World Hepatitis Day.Amanda Curran, our Addictionsand Mental Health NavigationWorker was there with an NBIFCtable to inform people about theprograms offered at the NBIFC. The event had confidential onsitetesting. One to two percent of thepopulation is estimated to haveHepatitis, which has a 97% curerate today. World Hepatitis Day at Leger Square
NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 12Youth Council OFIFC Conference and AGMKalah Pottier! She is this north eastern youth executive for the OFIFC!Pictured Left is Kalah Pottier & on the Right is Tessa PizzaleAanin! Waiyce! My name is Tessa Pizzale and I am the newNortheastern Region Representative on the IndigenousYouth Council at the OFIFC. Over this past July, the NorthBay Friendship Centre sent me to my very first OntarioFederation of Friendship Centre’s and AGM meetings inOttawa. I was able to meet a bunch of different youtharound the different regions and was able hear abouttheir passions and dreams that they saw in theircommunities. I was able to share the wonderfulconnection that the North Bay friendship centrecommunity has and what I would like to startincorporating into programming with our youth. It wasthe first time in OFIFC history that the youth was able tonominate and vote for who was going to be on the IYCand who was going to be the youth representing us onthe OFIFC board as Youth Executive. It was the first timein 10 years that we’ve had a full Indigenous Youth Councilhaving 2 representatives sitting at each region. In themeetings we talked about some really hard things and itmade me realize how important our youth is. That theyouth’s voices NEED to be heard and they need to havetheir feelings validated. I am super excited for what thisyear is going to entail and all the work with the youth thatI am going to be doing!By: Christine LajoieThe youth council continues to meet weekly as requested by the youth council members.This previous month they had the opportunity to share their concerns on various needs they see inthe community and brainstormed those concerns to be shared at the OFIFC youth councilconference that took place in Ottawa hosted by OFIFC.One of our youth, Tessa Pizzale attended as a representative of NBIFC and will be informing thecouncil members on her experience at this conference at our next meeting. She also attended theOFIFC AGM .Council members are also learning new skills such as bundle bag making and creative journal writing. And as a show of appreciation for all their hard work and dedication through regular attendance weare planning a special trip with our members based on meetings they have attended to be takingplace at the end of August Youth Council Update
At the last meeting, Youth Council began working on squares for a CommunityQuilt. Additional squares were painted by NBIFC Members, guests and programparticipants during Indigenous Peoples Day. Now, the work begins in assemblingthe squares into what will surely be a beautiful end result. Stay tuned for updateson the project. At the last meeting, Youth Council began working on squares for a CommunityQuilt. Additional squares were painted by NBIFC Members, guests and programparticipants during Indigenous Peoples Day. Now, the work begins in assemblingthe squares into what will surely be a beautiful end result. Stay tuned for updateson the project. NBIFC Community Quilt NBIFC Community QuiltNBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 13NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 13
The tea is hot and theAunties of the NBIFCare ready to dish somedeadly advice. Ask Away! NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 14Welcome New Staff - Michael Jukes-BedardHello! My name is Mike. My pronouns are he/him. I ama member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. I was born inNorth Bay and have lived here on and off my entirelife. I have been working with youth and marginalizedpeople for over 6 years. My professional training alsoincludes a formal education in Journalism – Print &Broadcast, Office Administration and I am currentlyenrolled in the Social Service Worker program atCanadore College.My position involves promoting the positive lives ofyouth in our area. I believe in the power ofencouraging youth and I hope I am able to add apositive influence to the lives of young people. I willbe coordinating a number of workshops and I amlooking forward to working with everyone. If youhave any questions, please feel free to reach out tome anytime! I am looking forward to meeting you.
NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 15
The Life Long Care program was out on the NBIFC Land, enjoying an afternoon ofdelicious food, relaxation and conversation. Jacob Dayfox was there to lend ahand, and sing a few hand drum songs for our group. Bernice Koosees, the LLCAssistant, is an expert at cooking over fire, her bannock is legendary and she hada delcious lunch ready in no time. Life Long Care Out and AboutNBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 16
MMIP AWARENESS WALK: Steps To Bring Canada Together stopped in at the NBIFC to talk and visit,receiveing a few donations. The walking trio consists of Cameron and Charity West and Gretchen, asenior pup who serves as emotional support and cheerleader, all of whom call Prince George, BritishColombia home. Charity's first husband, Barry Seymour went missing May 26, 2012, and they walk to keep Missing andMurdered Indigenous People at the forefront of peoples minds, and raise awareness that across Canadathere is a disproportionate number of missing Indigenous people who authorities have failed toinvestigate, and families are left to search on their own for their loved one. Living along the "Highway of Tears" both of them have been deeply affected by the numerous peoplewho are still missing today. Their goal is to move this issue to the forefront, and raise awareness, supportand nationwide action. You can follow them on facebook and tik tok - MMIP Awareness Walk : Steps toBring Canada TogetherOpen Mic NightNBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 17On July 25th, the NBIFC hostedthe first Open Mic/KaraokeNight . The snacks were delish,the music was incrediblyvaried, and everyone had somuch fun! Response was enthusiastic sowe will be having more of thesegreat social events. MMIP Awareness Walkers Stopped at NBIFCNext Open Mic NightAugust 22nd, 20236pm-9pmJacob - aptg@nbifc.orgor Andrewahws@nbifc.orgResidents from Suswin andNBIFC Staff were so fortunateto spend some time withCharity and Cameron.They later went to open micnight and enjoyed theatmosphere. They've eachgone through 4 pairs ofsneakers so far, with manymore to go, before they reachthe east coast, then walk theHighway of Tears to concludetheir trip.
NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 18Men's Sharing Circle 18 years old and up. August 14th, and 28th. 2pm to 4pmAndrew - ahws@nbifc.org(705)472-2811 ext. 219 or Dan - kizhaay@nbifc.org (705)472-2811 ext. 216 Men's sharing circles are a great way to share the challenges and successes of living a goodlife. Each of us are in a different place in that journey and taking care of your mental healthis important. Receive support, encouragement and have some snacks to round out theevening in a friendly, judgement free space. Don't be shy, come on out! Youth Drumming 12-17 years oldAugust 9th and 23rd6pm to 8pmNBIFC GymnasiumHand/Grandfather Drum Practice12-17 years oldAugust 9th and 23rd6pm to 8pmNBIFC GymnasiumHand/Grandfather Drum PracticeFor more information:Andrew - ahws@nbifc.org(705)472-2811 ext. 219 Bring your hand drum if you have one!
Cooked Beet “Carpaccio”RECIPE : ALEX GUARNASCHELLIYields: 4 ServingsIngredients: For the Carpaccio:4 to 5 medium red beets, tops removed, scrubbedExtra-virgin olive oil, for brushing½ tablespoon sugar1 tablespoon flaky salt (such as Maldon) 1 small bunch of chivesFor the Vinaigrette:1 tablespoon Dijon mustard2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Kosher saltFor the Walnuts:1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped Kosher salt1 teaspoon Spanish paprikaDirection:1. Roast the beets: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the beets in a baking dish, then add 1 cupwater. Cover tightly with foil. Roast until the beets yield when pieced with the tip of a knife. 1 to 1 ½hours, depending on the size of the beets. Set aside to cool.2. Make the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mustard, lemon juice and red winevinegar. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Season with kosher salt. Set aside.3. Make the Walnuts: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When it gets hot(but not hot hot), add the walnuts and season with kosher salt. They should fry slightly in the oil. Whenyou can smell the nuts, add the paprika and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirringconstantly, until the nuts brown slightly. Drain on paper towel and set aside.4. Assemble the carpaccio: Lightly brush a platter (or individual plates) with olive oil. Rub the skin offthe beets with paper towels; trim any tips and cut the beets into thin slices. Place in a single layer onthe platter (or plates). Season with the sugar and flaky salty. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and top withthe walnuts. Snip the chives into 1-inch pieces over the beets.Enjoy! Alex Guarnaschelli is one of my favourite IRON CHEFS on the Food NetworkBeautiful sweet roasted beets with crunchy walnuts is one of my favourite healthy delightful dishes. Ilike to add a few spoons full of soft goat cheese which makes it extra delicious. - Shelly S-GregoireCooked Beet CarpaccioNBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 19
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On July 25 and 26th, Judges from the Communities in Bloom competition were givena guided tour of North Bay, and they were wowed. The collaborative projectbetween the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority and the NBIFC was one ofthe major highlights of their tour, and Miskwaadesi was one of their favourite stops(their words). While visiting the site, Maurice Switzer, Chitra Gowda, SandraThorkelson, Leo DeLoyde and Kathy Fortin shared different aspects of herdevelopment, design and features. Even in her state of partial completion, Miskwaadesi was a space where a fewteachings could be shared. The importance and scale of the project increase thevisibility of Indigenous people and cultures within the urban landscape of North Bay. North Bay was assessed on six key criteria: Community Appearance, EnvironmentalAction, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & FloralDisplays, with each category worth 150 points. Phase 2 of Miskwaadesi will be resuming soon, and there is a grand opening eventplanned for this fall. It will be the only site in the city of North Bay where anIndigenous flag flies on public land, 365 days a year. On July 25 and 26th, Judges from the Communities in Bloom competition were givena guided tour of North Bay, and they were wowed. The collaborative projectbetween the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority and the NBIFC was one ofthe major highlights of their tour, and Miskwaadesi was one of their favourite stops(their words). While visiting the site, Maurice Switzer, Chitra Gowda, SandraThorkelson, Leo DeLoyde and Kathy Fortin shared different aspects of herdevelopment, design and features. Even in her state of partial completion, Miskwaadesi was a space where a fewteachings could be shared. The importance and scale of the project increase thevisibility of Indigenous people and cultures within the urban landscape of North Bay. North Bay was assessed on six key criteria: Community Appearance, EnvironmentalAction, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & FloralDisplays, with each category worth 150 points. Phase 2 of Miskwaadesi will be resuming soon, and there is a grand opening eventplanned for this fall. It will be the only site in the city of North Bay where anIndigenous flag flies on public land, 365 days a year. Miskwaadesi Part of Communities inBloom CompetitionMiskwaadesi Part of Communities inBloom CompetitionNBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 | Page 21
NBIFCPhotoContestSubmit your photo to be on thecover of our next Newsletter.Thousands of people across TurtleIsland and beyond see ourNewsletter each month! inquire@nbifc.,orgPhoto must carry an Indigenous theme or meaning in some way.Win a GIFT CARD!! Send in Your Photo, with title, your name, email and phone number. Image Preparation: The file should be 2MB at maximum. If you submit aphoto, you agree to the use and publication of the image where theNBIFC sees fit, and you have obtained permission from the subjects tobe photographed and submitted to the contest.