August 2024 NBIFC Newsletter : simplebooklet.com

Table of ContentsIf your organization wishes to feature Indigenous-related events or activities in ournewsletter, we would be delighted to share them. Kindly send us an email atinquire@nbifc.orgPresident’s MessageWalking-Out CeremonyStrawberry Picking & Making Strawberry JamBig Plans Ahead Health Outreach ProgramParry Sound F.C Visits NBIFC & George’s Second RetirementBeading Circle Family Beach DayMen’s GroupSteven Stones Learning CentreAunties and UnclesKim’s BannockDrumming with Nodin Welcome New StaffFASD Family Road Race & New Board Members Needed!Apatisiwin Resource Centre Grand Opening PosterJob OpportunitiesWoodland Paint Workshop with WaabanBannock Monday PosterStaff Directory35689101112131415161718192021222324

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By Maurice SwitzerMany people talk about how comfortable andwelcome they feel when they enter our FriendshipCentre, compared to other office spaces that mayoffer similar programs and services.To a great extent, that is because our staffmembers operate more as a family than a group ofemployees.But the physical spaces where people gather alsosend important messages, and the paintings thathang on the walls of our centre act like a collectivegreeting card to both the people that work hereand those who visit us.It is often said that there is no word for “art” in anyIndigenous language. That’s because First Nations,Inuit, and Metis peoples have always thought it isimportant to imprint meaningful designs onto eventhe most modest everyday items/ PRESIDENTS MESSAGEFRIENDSHIP CENTRE ART IS A GREETING CARDPRESIDENTS MESSAGEFRIENDSHIP CENTRE ART IS A GREETING CARD3NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024Western culture regards art as 1) a way to depict reality –although sometimes what is being depicted is not readilyobvious! -- 2) decoration, sometimes to match a home’sinterior colour schemes, and 3) increasingly, as aninvestment – Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa iscurrently valued at almost a billion dollars. The huge valuesbeing paid for works of art have resulted in widespreadforgeries of well-known artists like Norval Morrisseau-baa.Indigenous peoples have traditionally valued art – not justas a commodity to be bought and sold – but as a creativegift that adds beauty and cultural values to clothing, ortools, or walls – whether they are on the sides of mountainsor in buildings like our Friendship Centres.

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In our eyes, the skill required to apply beautiful floralbeadwork on a deerskin vest is every bit as “artistic” as aMorrisseau painting that may be worth hundreds ofthousands of dollars. We believe that the Creator inspires allsuch talents. Like our languages and other aspects of our cultures, Nativeart is usually closely connected with our naturalsurroundings, and of the flowers and beings that have beenplaced there by our Creator. Our art reflects our love andrespect for Mother Earth and all its inhabitants. It tends tolook at Nature through eyes that are grateful, respectful, andhumble.For many years, Indigenous art was not regarded as “real”art, but more like crafts. Norval Morrisseau, from Sand PointOjibwe Reserve in Northwest Ontario, received the Order ofCanada in 1978 in recognition of his contributions toCanadian art, but it wasn’t until 2005 – two years before hisdeath – that the National Gallery staged a solo show of hiswork, the first time it had ever done so for a Native artist.In July the 55th annual general meeting of the OntarioFederation of Indigenous Friendship Centres continued oneof the group’s most popular traditions – the exchange ofgifts between pairs of the now 31 centres in the province.The meeting room was filled with “ooohs” and “aaaahs” aseach centre unwrapped its gifts, which this year included aunique stained glass panel of a swimming fish that wasmounted in the centre of a snowshoe.Art can really put the “friend” in “friendship.”Page Continued-

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Our little girl, Emberlee Sackaney had her walking-out ceremony at the North Bay Indigenous Hub,along with several other little ones. This is a rite ofpassage ceremony that consists of a lot ofteachings, meaning and symbolism. One of theteachings behind why we have this ceremony isbecause they say when they are still babies, thatthey still have the gift of pureness and innocence.and they are still connected to the Creator and theSpirit Realm. They say that when a baby touchesthe earth for the first time, this is when they will becrossing over fully from their strong connection tothe spirit world into the physical realm of MotherEarth.Preparing for Emberlee's Walking Out Ceremony,Clayton Cheechoo, the Elder conducting theceremony asked to have her wear a traditionaloutfit that consisted of a ribbon skirt, moccasins,and traditional items which needed to be a part ofher outfit. We also had other special items thatheld meaning to her outfit. One of these was herbeaded necklace that was made by her late Great-Grandmother Charlotte Funnell. Her outfit wasgiven to us by a family member, and we thought itwas perfect for her ceremony. We were asked tohave a side bag made and a knife and case whichher Kookum Lina, made for her out of hide, andbeadwork. In her side bag we put rabbit snare wire,the four sacred medicines, a copper cup, craftsupplies (beads, threading needle, and sinew) anda miniature wooden measuring spoon. The side bagand the items inside represent a tool bag, withitems and tools that she will utilize in her life to helpher along her journey. Leading up to the ceremony we invited our familyand friends and Emberlee's Great-Grandma Helenwas also able to join us which was really special.5NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024Walking-OutCeremonyAt the ceremony she was given a small woodenhatchet and a small bundle of wood to walkwith which represents her "home fire". Weplaced her down outside on the ground, andthis was her very first time touching the earthwith her feet. We walked her around a smallsapling balsam tree, as the tree represents life.It was an emotional ceremony, not justpartaking and witnessing the rights of passagefor our daughter, but also to be able tocontinue the traditional ways of our culture andto honor our child with a good start to her lifeahead. As Emberlee’s parents, Nikki Mattinas and CodyMcKenzie-Sackaney, and our older daughterRaina Mattinas, along with our whole extendedfamily, we are very grateful to the North BayIndigenous Hub for offering this opportunity tothe community, and having us being a part ofthis special ceremony for our baby, and also forour family.- Miigwetch, Nikki & Cody, Raina, and Family.A family working to bring back riteof passages, shares the experience.

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Strawberry pickingat Leisure Farms!Strawberry pickingat Leisure Farms!Ode'iminᐅᑌᐁᒥᐣOtay'ayme'nIt's that time of the year when Leisure Farms open forstrawberry picking! The morning greeted visitors with sunnyskies and a gentle breeze, setting the perfect scene for abeautiful day of picking and munching on freshly harvestedstrawberries.The little ones didn’t get much into baskets, but they definitelyhad a good time and ate a lot of berries. How quickly childrenfigure out to look for the reddest berries for the best taste inpretty entertaining, especially if they get brave and try agreenish/white one first. Eventually, with baskets and bellies full, some clients decidedto make strawberry jam, while others planned to bakedelicious strawberry pies and tarts when they got home. Atthe time of publishing, no jam samples have come to ALLCentre staff for for ‘quality control testing”, despite numerousoffers to ensure peoper taste testing.The day ended with happy hearts and baskets full ofstrawberries, leaving everyone looking forward to the nextstrawberry picking season.6NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024The heart berry helps us understand theconnection between the mind, body, spirit, andemotions. We need our heart to guide us tomaintain personal balance. The heart berry alsoreminds us of reconciliation and teaches ushow to maintain heartfelt relationships in ourfamilies and communities. During thestrawberry harvest in June, many communitieshold annual feasts, welcoming everyone homeand letting go of differences, judgment andself-righteousness. - Wabano Health CentreOde’min- the heart keeps us balanced

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Here is a step-by-step guide to makingHere is a step-by-step guide to makinghomemade strawberry jam:homemade strawberry jam:Ingredients: fresh strawberries,Ingredients: fresh strawberries,granulated sugar, lemon juicegranulated sugar, lemon juiceInstructions: wash and sliceInstructions: wash and slicestrawberries, combine with sugar andstrawberries, combine with sugar andlemon juice, cook mixture untillemon juice, cook mixture untilthickened, skim foam, sterilize jars, fillthickened, skim foam, sterilize jars, filljars, process in boiling water bath,jars, process in boiling water bath,cool, and storecool, and storeEnjoy your homemade jam on toast,Enjoy your homemade jam on toast,desserts, or by itself for a delicious treat.desserts, or by itself for a delicious treat.Strawberry Jam MakingStrawberry Jam Making7NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024Serena, Gina, and Dawn guidedchildren in making strawberryjam together. The kids eagerlywatched as the mixturethickened, taking turns stirringunder Serena's guidance. Ginasterilized jars while Dawnentertained with stories. Theyfilled jars, decorated them, andenjoyed the jam on freshlybaked bread, bonding over theirculinary creation.

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8NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024Big Plans Ahead, but First,Lets Enjoy Summer!July was a time for us to pause and catch ourbreath after a very busy few months. Ourstaff's incredible teamwork and dedicationwere the driving force behind the successfulexecution of numerous events. We couldn'thave done it without you. A big thank you toall of you; your support and hard work aretruly appreciated. A warm welcome to all thenew staff members, you’re going to love ithere! To our Community and Membership, thankyou for your enthusiastic welcome. I lookforward to getting to know some of you betteras we host more events and have greatgatherings. I’m really quite amazed byeverything that goes on here. Upcoming Events for August:August 30th—NBIFC Resource CentreGrand Opening. It starts at 10 a.m. Be sureto come visit. There will be an openingceremony, resource packages, lightsnacks, and dessert! Other activities at the NBIFC include: Numerous program camps for youthDrumming and dancing on TuesdaysBeading on TuesdaysWellness Wednesdays Bannock MondaysAs we wind down for a quieter period, we’recatching our breath to prepare for a busySeptember ahead. So be sure to enjoy yoursummer, this is the first time in years I’ve beenable to have a vacation, so I’m very excited!In addition to the mentioned events, we haveexciting initiatives in the pipeline to enhancecommunity engagement and support. Staytuned for more information, I promise it’ll beworth the wait! Please feel free to get in touch with me toshare any ideas you might have or suggestionson what you feel the community needs. Let'sremember that our strength lies in our unityand shared goals. Together, we can continueto support each other and strive forexcellence in all endeavors.Nakurmiik (thank you)Warm regards,Traci KoritsarisTraci Koritsaris(705)472-2811 ext 249events@nbifc.org

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www.nbifc.orgwww.nbifc.org(705) 472-2811 ext 209(705) 472-2811 ext 209 ahow@nbifc.orgahow@nbifc.orgWe can facilitate photo submissions for renewals online, and all documentation can besent via Purolator directly from our location. Accepted forms of VALID ID: PassportDriver's licenseMilitary Identification DocumentsProvincial/Territorial Identification CardEnsure all Status cards are renewed at least 12 months before the "Renew before date."PresentingPresenting(705) 472-2811(705) 472-2811Call Us Now For ServiceCall Us Now For ServiceHealth Outreach ProgramTrustedSourceServicesTrustedSourceServicesServices: About Us:The NBIFC's "Trusted Source" programhelps Indian Act registrants with SecureCertificate of Indian Status applicationsby offering assistance with applicationcompletion, renewals, and replacementswithout requiring a guarantor ifinformation is accurate.The Indigenous Health Outreach Programsupports Indigenous people in navigatinghealthcare, providing advocacy, form assistance,housing support, health education, diseaseprevention, promoting healthy lifestyles,supporting violence-free families, and access tocultural healing resources.

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Left to right: Kathy Fortin ED, Mark WetselaarCFO, Delores McKay ED, Damian Reilly COO, andRuth Rozicki , NBIFC FInance Manager.10NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024The Parry Sound Friendship Centre joined some keyNBIFC staff for a day of learning and sharing on July8th. Kathy Fortin, our Executive Director, has alwayssupported sharing the experience accumulated fromthe NBIFC’s 50 years of operation to help otherfriendship centres find success and navigate thechallenges that every IFC faces. The ED from ParrySound, Delores Mckay, felt it would be an excellentexperience for her team to see the potential of whattheir Centre can come to be as they reach a newstage in their growth. Currently, the Parry Sound FChas 14 Staff and 10 Programs but is poised to growand be a significant support and source ofcommunity for the urban Indigenous people of ParrySound.Ruth Rozicki, NBIFC Finance Manager, was a fountainof expertise and knowledge for the new financemanager at the PSFC Mark Wetselaar, sharing thecareful fiscal management strategies that have beenadopted to ensure we continue to receive excellentfinancial reports. It's no small feat that a Centre oursize, with the number of programs and staff, as wellas Suswin Village, received a perfect financial reviewduring the 2024 Annual General Meeting.Congratulations on yourretirement again George! Yourhard work at the FriendshipCentre is appreciated. Bestwishes for a joyful, relaxing, andadventurous retirement.Chi-miigwetch for being therefor all of us at the NBIFC.George Hughie Retires, Again Of course, our Parry Sound counterparts wereimpressed with Suswin Village, the buildingitself, the staff, and its operation, as well as theoverall NBIFC. The sheer number of programsand staff is also an indication of the overallhealth of the NBIFC, and we hope to continuesupporting Centres in sharing and growingurban Indigenous programs, and communityservices.Parry Sound Friendship Centre Visits NBIFC

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Register with Kim Stephendaw@nbifc.org(705)472-2811 ext. 217North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, 980 Cassells St, North Bay P1B 4A8North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, 980 Cassells St, North Bay P1B 4A8Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness Program & Life Long Care Program PresentsIndigenous Mental Health & Wellness Program & Life Long Care Program PresentsTuesdays 6:00 - 8:00pmAugust 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th*Please Register! A fewspots are available!*Workshop limited to 10participants at a timeAll skill levels welcome!Start a new beading project or bring your own.Supplies can be provided.CommunityBeadingBeadingCircle

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BeachBeachDayDay !!It has been a very busy month with all our activities. We enjoyedour trip to Leisure Farms; the berries were especially big andplump. YUMMY! Beach day was a blast! So much water fun and ayummy lunch was had by all.Don’t forget we still have some more fun activities coming up.Please check your calendars and watch for our upcomingposters on our Facebook page at Nbifc Afsp. Please register with Cindy or Kayla at 705-472-2811.Your Family Support team,Cindy & Kayla12NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024We're always looking for feedback to makeour events even better. If you have anysuggestions or ideas, feel free to share themwith us. We value your input!

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14NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024Seven Stones Learning Centre will be closed from August 1 to August 22,2024, and new registrations will not be accepted during this period. Limitedspots are available for September, with school starting again on September 3.For more information or to register, please reach out to Natalie Wiseman. Kindly note that booking an appointment for an intake interview, presentingidentification, and providing a copy of your previous school transcript arenecessary for registration.Natalie WisemanIndigenous Alternative Secondary School Coordinator705 707-1031 | iassec@nbifc.org1009 Cassells St, North Bay, ON P1B 4B1ingredients:4 cups of egg noodles1 can of cream of chicken soup½ cup of milk2 cans of tuna1 cup of frozen peas or 2 cups of steamed broccoli1 sleeve of crushed crackers with ¼ cup of butter1 cup of shredded cheeseInstructions:Boil noodles for 10 minutes until tender, then drain.Add the soup and milk, and stir until combined.Mix in peas or steamed broccoli.Transfer to a casserole dish.Top with shredded cheese.Sprinkle crushed crackers and butter on top.Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.The Seven Stones Learning Centre provides a student nutrition program thatincludes a range of healthy breakfast choices, snacks, and lunch options.Check out this popular Tuna Casserole recipe enjoyed by our students:

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Bernice and Kim showcasing theirBannock demos on Indigenous Peoples Daywhich one stands out?K i m ’ s B a n n o c k16NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024Bannock Monday at the North Bay Indigenous FriendshipCentre is a fantastic get-together happening every otherMonday for two hours. It's a laid-back event thatwelcomes everyone to come and hang out, enjoy somedelicious bannock, drink some tea and coffee, and have agood time. Bannock, a traditional Indigenous food, is morethan just a tasty treat – it's a symbol of togetherness,sharing, and passing on cultural traditions. People gatheraround, munch on bannock, swap stories, share laughs,and make new friends. The vibe is all about respect, andunderstanding, where everyone is accepted andappreciated for who they are. Bannock Monday is allabout connecting with others, building a sense ofcommunity, and belonging. It's a reminder of howimportant it is to come together, learn from each other,and embrace the richness of Indigenous heritage.The Secret to Niishin BannockThe Secret to good bannock is to alwaysmake it with love. Think of how happypeople are when they enjoy what you’vebaked, think of good things and only putgood energy into what you are making. Ifyou’re having a rough day, or are in a badmood, it will go into the bannock and it justwon’t be as tasty or fluffy.

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W e l c o m e O u r N e w S t a f f !18NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024Hello, Aaniin, Wachay, Boozhoo, My name is Becky Mathies and I amthrilled to be back at The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre in mynew role as FASD Children’s Nutrition Worker!With over 12 years in the social service field I look forward to furtherdeveloping my skills and bringing my experience into the position bycontinuing to build networks and advocate on behalf of families andchildren navigating FASD services. I hope to reintroduce nutritionalprogramming and supports in the near future that include creative waysto eat healthy on a budget and pathways to resources for families facingfood insecurity.September is International FASD Awareness Month and The Anishinabek Nation will host the AnnualFASD Walk/Run at the North Bay Waterfront on September 7th. Come out to introduce yourself andjoin us in raising awareness for this great cause. There will be 1km, 4km and 9km walk/run options,prizes, vendors and activities for all ages. Please bring a non-perishable item to donate to the FoodBank, pre-registration is free and open now athttps://www.eventbrite.ca/e/family-road-race-celebrating-fasd-awareness-tickets-940337263067I am incredibly grateful and proud to once again have the opportunity to serve our members andcommunity in a positive way!!Aniin, my name is Jacki Black and I am the new Health OutreachWorker here at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre.I am aware of the big moccasins I have to fill with the great workGeorge Hughie has done, and I can only hope that, over time, I canprove that my feet will fit.I am a graduate of the IWAP program at Canadore College andhave been in the Social Services field for 2.5 years since. Mybackground consists of Peer Support, Housing outreach, financialspecialist, to working with our unhoused community.My goal is to help and support all who need it to the very best ofmy ability.Miigwetch

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The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre has been lucky to have had a long legacy ofvolunteers stepping up to help support the NBIFC. We are asking NBIFC Members in goodstanding to submit applications to become a Board Member. There are currently 3 vacanciesthat need to be filled, and your support would be greatly appreciated. The NBIFC offers over 30 programs and numerous community services, along with ourtransitional house, Suswin Village. There is a lot going on at the NBIFC! To become a Board Member you must have a valid Membership, and be capable of clearing avulnerable sector check. There is training provided, as well as a very supportive group that areall working on keeping the NBIFC front and centre in all the work the Board does. There is oneBoard meeting a month, and Committee meetings, depending on which you choose toparticipate in (Finance, Communications, Membership, etc.) . If you have never served on aBoard of Directors before, this is probably one of the most positive, productive boards youcould ever hope to add to your resume. Preference is given to individuals who self identify as Indigenous, lived experience, not-for-profit experience and/or business knowledge would be a wonderful addition.To apply, submit your letter of interest to: director@nbifc.orgNew Board Members Needed!Mark YourCalendar!Join us for the FASDFamily Road Raceto raise awareness onSaturday, September 7,2024, at the North BayWaterfront andKate Pace Way.

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AugustAugust30301010O'ClockO'ClockS A V E T H E D A T ES A V E T H E D A T E962 CASSELLS STREET962 CASSELLS STREET NORTH BAY ONTARIONORTH BAY ONTARIO (BESIDE THE NBIFC)(BESIDE THE NBIFC)Please join us as we celebrate the grand opening of thePlease join us as we celebrate the grand opening of theNBIFC Resource & Employment Centre. 10 am to 3 pm.NBIFC Resource & Employment Centre. 10 am to 3 pm.Refreshments and a light lunch will be available.Refreshments and a light lunch will be available.G R A N DO P E N I N GG R A N DO P E N I N GN B I F C A P A T I S I W I NR E S O U R C E C E N T R EN B I F C A P A T I S I W I NR E S O U R C E C E N T R E

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(705) 472-2811 Ext. 228(705) 472-2811 Ext. 228https://nbifc.org/employment-opportunities/https://nbifc.org/employment-opportunities/For more information on these postings, go to:For more information on these postings, go to:Please send a cover letter,resume, and 3 references to:Human Resources CoordinatorEmail: hrc@nbifc.orgPlease send a cover letter,resume, and 3 references to:Human Resources CoordinatorEmail: hrc@nbifc.orgWE AREWE AREHIRING!HIRING!Open PositionsOpen PositionsHealthy BabiesHealthy Children WorkerCasual Part Time ReliefWorkers - Suswin TransitionalHouse (ongoing)Find our job postings on Facebook! NBIFC HumanResources Prenatal NutritionProgram Worker

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Woodland Art Workshop22NBIFC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2024We had an amazing turnout at the Eastern Woodland Painting Workshop, where we embarked on ajourney to discover Eastern Woodland art and its traditional techniques and styles. The session alsohighlighted Norval Morrisseau and his impact on modern art. During the workshop, participants hadthe opportunity to create their own pieces guided by Josiah Dixon, who shared valuable insights onthe historical and cultural contexts of each technique.The discussion on Norval Morrisseau was especiallyenlightening. Known as the "Picasso of the North,"Morrisseau's unique style and influence oncontemporary Indigenous art were thoroughlyexamined. His use of bold lines and vibrant colors todepict spiritual and natural elements inspiredattendees to explore their own artisticinterpretations. As the workshop concluded,everyone not only left with their artwork but alsodeveloped a newfound respect and admiration forEastern Woodland art..

August 2024 NBIFC Newsletter

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