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Message I Am A Kind ManAugust 2025NewsletterPrenatal & FamilySupport
Land Base OutingDate: August 5, 2025Time: 10-3pmRain or ShineSocial and frying fish & Bannock toshare!Life Long CareFor more information, please email:Bernice Koosees llca@nbifc.orgTable of contentsMedicine Walk*Adults Only* Join us for a little medicinewalk at Manidoo Kiitigaan(NBIFC Land). We will thenlearn how to harvest and drysome plants, storage, and use. BRING RUBBER BOOTS August 19 th10am-3pmAt the NBIFC Land inJacko PointEmail inquire2@nbifc.orgto register!2.................................................................................................................Medicine walk, Life Long Care Land Based Outing3.............................................................................................We Need to Be Able to Talk to Each Other by Maurice Switzer4...........................................................................................................................................................................................Akwe:Go5...........................................................................................................................................................Prenatal & Family Support6..............................................................................................................................................Museum Display, Language Camp7........................................................................................................................................Children Wellness Open Registration8.......................................................................................................Health Outreach, August Moon, Men’s Drumming Circle9...........................................................................Beading Group, 60's Scoop, Men’s Sharing Circle, New Waaban Worker10...............................................................................................................I Am A Kind Man Spring Grad, Events Coordinator11.....................................................................................................................................................................Strawberry Picking 12.................................................................................................................................................Cultural Resource Coordinator 13....................................................................................................................................................................Community Support14..............................................................................................................................................................................Staff Directory
An OHRC team visited North Bay to hear first-handfrom Indigenous residents about their experiencesaccessing health care. They heard BerniceKoosees, our Friendship Centre’s Life Long Careworker, say she has regularly been contacted bythe North Bay Regional Health Centre to serve as aCree-language interpreter for patients. Shedescribed one incident where she wore hospitalscrubs and translated so a Cree patientundergoing cataract surgery would know whatwas being done. Bernice and our Friendship Centre werevolunteering her services to a health careinstitution that has an annual operating budget ofover $300 million, but no apparent funds toproperly care for the hundreds of Indigenouspatients who seek treatment there each year. Our sister urban agency, the North Bay IndigenousHub, has a primary focus to improve access totraditional and culturally- safe care for this city’sIndigenous community.We Need to be Able to TalkWith Each Other – Especially in Health Care! By Maurice Switzer Aanii/Boozhoo/Wachay/Se:kon/Halu/Greetingskina waya! Bnesi ndizhnikaaz, Wazhashk doodem MichiSaagig Anishinabek, Wakkwa:ho Kanien’keha:kaHaudenosaunee; Alderville ndoonjibaa. North Bayendayaan. Anishinabek ndaw. ****When asked to identify which feature of living inCanada best identifies this as a great country, mostpeople point to our system of universal healthcare. Unlike many other countries, Canadian citizensdon’t have to make sure they have theirchequebook or credit card with them when theyvisit doctors’ offices or hospitals. Tommy Douglas,who was voted the greatest Canadian in a nationalpoll in 2004, received that recognition becausewhen he was Saskatchewan premier in 1947 hisCCF government introduced a hospital publicinsurance program, the first of its kind in NorthAmerica. It took a few decades for the parties thattraditionally top the polls in this country’s federalelections to adopt programs that largely eliminatefinancial worries for people who fall sick.Unfortunately, the legal entitlement to free healthcare doesn’t always mean it will be provided withthe kindness and care that sick people have a rightto expect. And many of the patients for whomseeking health care can be an unpleasant – evendangerous experience are Indigenous. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) iscurrently gathering information from Indigenouspeoples across the province to develop policyguidance to address what it calls “longstandingand widespread Indigenous-specificdiscrimination in Ontario’s healthcare system.”Indigenous patients have died because nurses anddoctors had uneducated stereotypical views aboutthem. If a First Nation patient is unsteady on hisfeet, he must be drunk. If an Inuit woman slurs herwords, she must be an addict.A public inquiry was called into the death of a 24-year-old First Nations woman who went to a St.Catharines hospital with severe back pain afterfalling down a staircase. She was sent home withTylenol tablets and died when she returned forhelp the next day.The Ontario Federation of Indigenous FriendshipCentres sought intervenor status into the inquiry,understanding that for some reason Indigenouspeoples are more likely to be involved in thesetragic incidents than others.
In July they staged a “Models of Care” conferenceattended by representatives of a number of localhealth care agencies. The purpose of the event wasto help health care professionals to learn about theimpacts of Canada’s colonialism – including theintergenerational impacts of residential schooltrauma – and how that history effects Indigenousaccess to respectful health care. During the conference, Paul Heinrich, president andCEO of the North Bay Regional Health Centreannounced that the hospital has hired a Creelanguage navigator. Serena Koostachin, former Akwe:Go coordinator atour Friendship Centre, will help ensure that hospitalstaff are able to properly communicate with theirCree-speaking patients.You can’t heal people if you can’t talk to them.----Maurice Switzer, Bnesi, is president of the NorthBay Indigenous Friendship Centre.Akwe:Go The children learned how horses communicatethrough body language and herd behaviour, and howour choices can lead to unexpected outcomes. Theprogram emphasized teamwork and helped buildconfidence in each participant. To wrap up theexperience, the final session included parents, givingthe children a chance to proudly share all they hadlearned.To finish off the month, we took an exciting trip toCrystal Cave. The day began with a scavenger hunt forprecious stones, crystals, and fossils. We then entereda darkened room in the basement, where speciallighting simulated how animals see these stones in thedark. The children had the opportunity to purchasestones and crystals as keepsakes or gifts. Afterward,we enjoyed a picnic lunch and visited the Fairy Garden,where everyone had their photo taken with fairy wings.The Akwe:go program was in full swing this month,kicking off with strawberry picking alongside theFamily Support and Prenatal Nutrition Supportprograms. Beforehand, Thaila shared a meaningfulStrawberry Teaching that set the tone for the day.Our Lil Chefs had a great time learning essentialkitchen skills. They made homemade butter andlearned how to preserve fresh vegetables to makethem last longer. They also focused on kitchen safety—practicing how to handle sharp objects, safely cut fruitsand vegetables, and the importance of cleaningproduce before eating.We were fortunate to spend time with Lori Burns atHorse Ability, where participants explored the specialbonds we can form with horses.
Prenatal andfamily SupportAanii everyone!We hope you're staying cool and feeling supported aswe move through the summer months.Here's what's happening in our community:Up coming Events:Beach Day August 7thBack to school activities with Children’s MentalHealth Program August 14thMedicine Walk 18+ August 18thMovie Day August 21stNutrition Bingo August 28thMonday morning walks 10 am at the waterfrontParent Relief Tues mornings (MUST REGISTER 24HRS AHEAD)Past Events of July include:Leisure Farms Strawberry PickingBeach DayHoop EarringsMovie Day JulyHaliburton Wolf CenterHorse AbilityTip of the Month:Did you know skin-to-skin contact helps regulate yourbaby’s heartbeat and breathing? Try some cuddleswith your newborn—it’s good for both of you!Welcome Baby!A warm welcome to baby Sage and Raven twin girls,born July 6th. Congratulations to parents Alisha &Mathew! Need Support?We’re here for you. Reach out to us at apnp@nbifc.orgor afsw@nbifc.org or call 705-472-2811 ext 210/212Take care of yourselves and each other!With love,Cindy, Kayla & Stephanie Your Family Support/PrenatalTeam.
Hey everyone! We're working on an exciting Language & Culture Camp happening on August 20-21 at ManidooKitigaan. It’s a great chance for our young people to learn about Cree, Ojibway, and Innu traditions andlanguages through fun activities and stories. Day 1 (Ages 7-12): August 20Day 2 (Ages 13-18): August 21 More details are coming soon, and registration will be required. Stay tuned! We can't wait to share thisawesome experience with you!Language CampMuseum DisplayThe North Bay Museum is proud to feature a temporary display celebrating the North Bay IndigenousFriendship Centre (NBIFC). This vibrant exhibit showcases the rich history and cultural contributions ofthe NBIFC through a variety of artifacts, including dolls dressed in diverse regalia styles, historicalphotos, and meaningful Indigenous objects. Visitors will learn about the Centre’s roots, its evolving rolein the community, and the enduring traditions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people it serves. Thisdisplay offers a powerful glimpse into the spirit, resilience, and culture of urban Indigenous life in NorthBay.The display is up only until September so we encourage you to go check it out while it is still up!
This program addresses trauma and its impact onchildren, families and our community. It provideseducation, advocacy and a wholistic approach topreventive healing cwp@nbifc.orgEXT 405INDIGENOUS CHILDRENSWELLNESS PROGRAMACCEPTING NEW REFERRALS & REGISTRATION *WELLNESS FOR YOUTH AGES 7-14* INTRODUCINGCORINNEPLEASE EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Health OutreachProgramTrusted Source ServiceThe 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. About Health Outreach Program: The Indigenous Health OutreachProgram supports Indigenous people innavigating healthcare, providingadvocacy, form assistance, housingsupport, health education, diseaseprevention, promoting healthy lifestyles,supporting violence-free families, andaccess to cultural healing resources.For more information, call oremail: Jackie Black705-472-2811 ex. 209ahow@ifc.orgAugust MoonThimbleberryThe Eighth moon ofCreation is theThimbleberry Moon,when we honour theThimbleberry whichproduces an abundanceof fruit once every threeyears. It was one of thefirst plants put onMother Earth and it’spurpose is to protectthe Sacred Circle of Lifeby allowing us torecognize andunderstand theteachings that comefrom the Spirit World.Manoominike-giizis (Ricing Moon)Manoominikewi-giizis (RicingMoon)Miini-giizis (Blueberry Moon)Manoominike-giizis (Ricing Moon)Mskominike Giizis (Raspberry-Picking Moon)Datgaagmin-giizis (BlackberryMoon)Full MoonCeremonyMoons in DifferentDialects and Regions:Datkaagmin Giizis August 9th, 20257:30 pmBig Medicine StudiosWe encourage you to bring yourskirts, drums, and shakers!If you have any questions pleasereach out to: Kim Stephenahws@nbifc.orgIndigenous Healing & WellnessMen’s DrummingNightWHEN:EVERY THURSDAYSTARTING JULY 24THTIME:6:00PM-8:00PMLIGHTREFRESHMENTSWILL BE SERVEDWHERE:NBIFC GYM980 CASSELLSFOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:KIMBERLEY STEPHENAHWS@NBIFC.ORG 705-472-2811 EX. 219
MENS SHARINGCIRCLEWEDNESDAY AUGUST 6 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27Beading CircleJuly & August Every Tuesday(except Holidays) Summer Hours:4:30pm-6:30pmLife Long CareIndigenous Healing & Wellness18+All SkillslevelsWelcome*Suppliesavailable or bringyour own*NBIFC Rec Room980 Cassells StFor more information: Lynn705-472-2811 ex. 214Kim 705-472-2811 ex. 219Kizhaay@nbifc.org705-472-2811 x 216Kris Dicht - Kizhaay Anishinaabe NiinCoordinatorComing Soon: 60’s ScoopSupport GroupIn partnership with the North Bay Indigenous Hub,we’re launching a new support group for thoseimpacted by the Sixties Scoop. This group offers arelaxed, safe space to share stories, connect withothers who understand, and find support on yourhealing journey.Joining can be an important step towardreclaiming your story, building community, andcaring for your mental and emotional well-being.The group will meet every two weeks, andeveryone is welcome—whether you’re just curiousor ready to open up.Stay tuned for upcoming dates and details. We lookforward to connecting with you!4pm-5pmWelcome the New Waban Worker!"My name is Katrina Gagnon, and I’m proud tointroduce myself as the new Waaban Worker at theNorth Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. I am a proudmember of Moose Cree First Nation and have spentmost of my life in North Bay. With a background inCriminal Justice from Canadore College andNipissing University, I’ve remained deeply committedto supporting Indigenous children, youth, andfamilies. I’m especially passionate about empoweringat-risk Indigenous youth through cultural andtraditional land-based programming—helping themreconnect with their roots, build resilience, and breakcycles of intergenerational trauma. I believe ouryouth are the heart of our future, and guiding themon a strong, healing path is vital for the strength andcontinuity of our culture."Miigwech ᒦᑴᒡ,
in your program you teach us how to be Kind Men,not just shame us and tell us what we did wrong. Ilearned so much about the seven Grandfathersand how to actually be a Kind Man. I looked forward to the group each week andtalking and connecting with the other guys. It feltreally supportive. I cant say enough about thisprogram, and you. My son also wants to take it ashe has seen a change in me in how I react tosituations, I used to blow my lid and now I am ableto take a breath and stay calm. Thanks for all youdo Kris, and continue to deliver a amazingprogram!" I Am A Kind Man GraduationThe Kizhaay Program held a graduation celebration onJune 19, 2025, for the Spring session of KizhaayAnishinaabe Niin (I Am a Kind Man). We proudly celebrated11 graduates who completed the program.To honour the occasion, participants gathered at theNBIFC land for a Fire and Sharing Circles, followed by adelicious walleye dinner. During the circles, graduatesreflected on their experiences and shared what theygained from the program.Below are a few powerful testimonials that speak to theimpact of this incredible journey:Events Planner – Traci KoritsarisHappy Summer everyone! Hope you are all making the most of the beautiful weather.The summer is going by so quick.Giant shout out to all the staff here at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre for beingamazing co-workers and always helping. I believe this is why our events and programs are sosuccessful!Upcoming events for August:August 20th & 21stYouth Language Camp at the LandLand based activities while learning in the LanguageDetails to be posted soon.Stay tuned for details for our upcoming “Inuit Zoom Group”.Traci.Kris, I just want to say thank you for everything, thesegroups you do are truly amazing- you help so many peoplelearn and get through hard times. Complete strangers andyou ask for nothing in return, it takes a special type ofperson to do this stuff and I am so grateful. Before yourgroup I thought I would always be this angry person, it felt asif anything I tried I wasn't good enough, like id never change,always end back at square 1. You helped me realize I'm notthe angry friend or parent, I stopped feeling alone in myanger and that feeling that way is ok, i learned better waysof coping and understanding my feelings, I hope to continueto work that you taught us to better myself as a Parent,friend and sibling. Thank you for a amazing 12 weeks""This program was amazing! I was apprehensive to take it atfirst, but how its delivered was amazing. I have take themainstream, PARS and healthy connections I think its called,those were terrible, Spring Class of 2025
Strawberry teachings Berry Picking AtLeisure FarmsNew Friends!On July 2nd/2025 FamilySupport/Prenatal/Akwego had invitedThalia to come in and teach a strawberryteaching for our clients.The following day,July 3rd/2025 was a perfect sunny day togo pick strawberries at Leisure Farms inSturgeon Falls. Each client got to pick theirown basket of strawberries. And ourprenatal coordinator even made a newfriend! YUM!
Preparing the land for ceremony is no small task — it takes time, effort, and a lot ofheart. I want to extend a heartfelt chi-miigwetch to everyone who came together toprepare Manidoo Kitigan for the Eagle Staff Fast held there. Despite the heat,humidity, and relentless bugs, so many people showed up and worked hard tomake it happen.The NBIFC staff who pitched in are deeply appreciated, as are the three residentsfrom Suswin, who worked tirelessly to mow, whippersnip, fix up the sleep cabins,and clean, organize, and ready the buildings. We were also grateful for theguidance of Larry McLeod and Tyler Dokis, who taught us about the tipi andhelped set it up beautifully. It now stands as a powerful symbol of what we canachieve together.This was a perfect example of community spirit — of how, even when the work ishard, coming together for our people is always worth it.The Eagle Staff Fast itself, led by Richard Assinewai, was a profound and movingceremony. Four Eagle Staffs — including the NBIFC Eagle Staff and three from theOFIFC (Ontario Federation of Friendship Centres) — were honoured through sweatlodges and fasting. Fasting in the peak of summer is no easy feat, but those whofasted did so with strength and purpose.Making space for ceremonies like this is essential. They remind us of what ourEagle Staffs stand for: our responsibilities to our people and our communities. Theyground us in our traditions, reconnect us to our purpose, and ensure that culturestays at the heart of how our Friendship Centres operate. This is more than just“making room” — it’s about honouring who we are and ensuring our ways continuefor the generations to come.Miigwetch to everyone who helped make this happen. You’ve shown that when wecome together in a good way, we make space not just for ceremony, but forhealing, community, and connection.Have a beautiful summer! A Very Special Time atManidoo KitigaanSandra Thorkelson
Community SupportCommunity SupportWow, time flies when you are having fun and ourprograms here at the NBIFC certainly make use of whatlittle time we have each summer to offer fun, creativeand culturally safe events for all ages. Staff and clientswith the FASD program have spent time in thecommunity, on land and at the centre staying active thismonth. With July now in the books we are lookingforward to this month’s programming which will includefamily cooking, a day at the splash pad and another tripout to the land.August we are also very excited to once again inviteParents and Caregivers of children with FASD or otherneurodivergences to join us Tuesday August 26thbetween 1pm and 3pm to discuss back to school tipsand receive your family gift pack. Light refreshmentswill be provided, please register at fasd@nbifc.org.Finally, I’d like to remind our readers about the FASDAwareness Day which is fast approaching onSeptember 7th at the North Bay Waterfront. This funfilled family friendly event will include vendors, prizes,tons of swag and a lot of fun, please see below andfollow the link to sign up today!!https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/family-road-race-celebrating-fasd-awareness-ticketsBecky Mathies (she/her)FASD Children’s Nutrition WorkerNorth Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre980 Cassells St.North Bay, ON P1B 4A7705-472-2811 ex: 205