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Message July 2025NEWSLETTER
As we wrap up an incredible start to thesummer, I want to take a moment to reflecton the many outstanding events we’ve shared— from our annual Pow Wow, Red Dress Day,and the sunrise ceremony with the City ofNorth Bay, to the many other meaningfulgatherings in between. None of this wouldhave been possible without the dedicationand hard work of our amazing team. Youcontinue to step up when it matters most.Miigwetch to our staff and Board of Directors— your commitment does not go unnoticed. I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to ournew Board members. We’re excited to haveyou join us, and I’m confident you’ll be proudof the team and the important work ahead. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyfulsummer!Kathy Fortin,Executive DirectorNBIFCMessage from the Executive DirectorNBIFC Board of Directors2025-2026Following this years AGM, please welcomeour new board! Maurice Switzer - President Ken Brown - Vice President Joyce Shortt-Lavigne - TreasurerJoanne Morrison - Secretary Amanda Mathias - Board Member Louise Poitras - Board Member Adeline Anne Urban - Board Member
4th Annual Maiingan Family RoadRace for FASD Awareness SaturdaySeptember 6 , 2025thNorth Bay Waterfront-- BandshellRoute Types: 1KM5KM9KMSign In: 9 AMOpening Ceremonies: 10AMRegistration Cost is aFood Donation!To Register: Familyroadrace-FASD2025.eventbrite.caPrizes, entertainment, snacks,refreshments, games, andactivities!For Inquires, Contact: Michelle Irvine: 705-497-9127 ex.2321michelle.irvine@anishinabek.ca Call out for Vendors,crafters, singers,drummers, and dancers Vendor set up: 8am-9amTable costs are a non-perishable food donationSingers, dancers, anddrummers will receive anhonorarium Table of ContentsNew Board.............................................2FASD Awareness Event.......................3Pow Wow................................................4July Moon................................................6Family Dance.........................................6Karaoke...................................................6Seven Stones Graduation.................7Giisook Launch.....................................8Sunrise Ceremony, CRC....................9Staff Directory......................................10
MAAMWI KINDASWIN2025
We want to send ahuge chi-miigwetch toeveryone whoattended our powwow this year! It wasone of our biggest inthus far. Thank you to ourvendors, dancers,drummers, singers,MC, and volunteersfor making it cometogether and onceagain having abeautiful event.
Join us for music, fun games, anddancing!July 18, Friday, 6:30 to 9 PMAt NBIFC GymFamily DanceAll children must be accompanied by a guardianJuly 11th, 2025KARAOKE NIGHTAT NBIFCEveryone is welcome! 5-8 pm All are Welcome!The seventh moon of Creation is theRaspberry Moon, when greatchanges begin. By learninggentleness and kindness, we maypass through the thorns of its bushand harvest its fruit and knowledgethat will help in raising our families.Raspberry MoonMSKOMINI GIIZISJuly 10 2025thNo Registration needed
Seven Stones Graduation 2025The NBIFC family is so proud of the 2025 graduates from ourSeven Stones Education Centre! Three graduates worked hard to get where they are today, andwe are immensely proud and happy to be able to celebrate theiraccomplishments. One graduate is already off working and wasunable to attend, but we wish them all the best in their futureendeavours. Each student was presented with a Migizi Miigwanfor their hard work and dedication. Women’s Full Moon Ceremony161 Couchie Memorial Drive(Big Medicine Studio)with Grandmother Lorraine Whiteduck-LibertyJuly 10 , 2025th8 pmBring your drums, shakers, sema, cloth and skirts!
On June 26 2025, we got to share an exciting new adventure for NorthBay. NBIFC is part of the Urban Indigenous Coalition, known as the GiisookCouncil, which brings together eight different Indigenous organizations inthe city to amplify the voices of urban Indigenous people. th,We held the official launch at Canadore College First Peoples’ Centre toshare with other partners and city members the benefit of having this group,and had some great speakers. The members consist of True Self, Niijaansinaanik, NBIFC, Metis Council ofNorth Bay, Endaayaan Awejaa, OAHS, Canadore College First PeoplesCentre, and The Indigenous Hub. To learn more information about the coalition, please visit giisookcouncil.ca.
I’ve met many people who want to reconnect with the traditions andways of their Nation but feel hesitant about where to begin. Don’t be—everyone starts somewhere.Many of us have never lived in our home community or haven’t beenback in a long time. That doesn’t mean you have to be disconnectedfrom your culture.If you’re thinking about starting or adding to your bundle, the CulturalResource Program is here to support you. Whether you registeryourself or are referred by another program, I’d be happy to help youcreate a cultural plan that’s meaningful to you.Step 1 - Register with the CRC Program or get a referral from the NBIFCworkers you currently work with.Step 2 - We can sit down together with a cup of tea and discuss whatyou’d like to learn. Step 3 - Join us for some great activities, like a visit to Miskwaadesi, asweatlodge or medicine walk out at the NBIFC Land (August 19th)! Sandra Thorkelson - crc@nbifc.orgA sunrise ceremony held June 18 , withthe City of North Bay at MiskwaadesiAmphitheatre, was well received by thecommunity. There were over 100attendees who heard teachings fromPerry McLeod, as well as a few songs,and everyone participated in berry andwater offerings.thIt was a perfect morning to reflect onthe gift each day brings to us. One hundred years ago, this ceremonywould have been considered illegal;however, today we are able to share ourtraditions and teachings with thebroader community, demonstrating theimportance of Indigenous ways andceremony. We would like to extend a chi-miigwetch to the city and everyone whocame to show their support.The first Sunrise Ceremony held atMiskwaadesiWe All Start with One Step. August 19, 2025MedicineWalk,at NBIFCLand10am to 3pm