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NEWSLETTEROF THE NORTH BAY INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIP CENTREJUNE 2024SHE’S READY! SHE’S READY! MISKWAADESI ISCOMPLETE!WWW.NBIFC.COMᓴ ᑲ ᐸ ᑲ ᐧᐃ ᐱ ᓯ ᒼSAAKIPAKAAWI -PIISIM(BUDDING MOON) WAABGONI GIIZISPhoto Courtesy of Leo deLoydePhoto Courtesy of Leo deLoyde

16162828141426262020TABLE OF CONTENTSExecutive Director’s MessagePow-Wow PosterPresident’s MessagePow Wow Volunteers PosterPow Wow Bus Shuttle MapRed Dress Day PicturesAnnual General Meeting (AGM) PosterApatisiwin GIndigenous Peoples Day Event PosterRibbon Skirt WorkshopBannock MondayHand Drum WorkshopProgram CalendarLLC Vest-Making WorkshopJob PostingsSoapstone Carving WorkshopCommunity Beading CircleNew Staff + Student PlacementSinging, Drumming, & DancingBook Club + Kids Open GymRattle Workshop Weekly Men’s GroupMiskwaadesii, Turtle ProjectNBIFC Photo ContestStaff Directory34567811121314151617181920212224252627282930If your organization wishes to feature Indigenous-related events or activities in our newsletter, we wouldbe delighted to share them. Kindly send us an email atinquire@nbifc.org.

MESSAGEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S3NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024Here we are at Pow Wow again. This year the staffhave really put their all into planning a great event. To help alleviate parking, we have a shuttle runningfrom Northgate Square, please take advantage of it,if possible, and make enjoying the pow wow thatmuch better. I would like to say chi-miigwetch to allof our sponsors. Without your support keeping thisevent free for our community and guests would justnot be possible. Your support means everything tous. Immediately after the pow wow we head into theAGM. If you are a member in good standing, pleaseshow your support for the Centre and come out tothe Annual General Meeting. We will have a nicemeal, then get right to this years Meeting. This yearwill be the voting in of a new bylaw which Membersreceived in the mail, review of the Auditors Reportand electing a new Board of Directors. I’ve beenvery blessed to have such great Boards to workwith, without whom we wouldn’t have the Centrewe have now, so chi-miigwetch to everyone whohas served on the Board in any capacity, yourefforts are very much appreciated. To those whoare thinking of running for the Board of Directors, itis a commitment of time and energy, but so worthit. Being on the Board means you are agreeing to onemeeting a month, along with a few extra hoursserving on at least 2 Committees, which can beanything from Communications to Finance. It is agreat opportunity for some of our youngermembers who are working on careers to learn howa not-for-profit runs, and get experience that looksincredible on a resume. Miskwaadesi is wrapping up and open. If you get thechance, please take a walk through if you can. Somuch energy and heart went into creating thisspace. Chi-Miigwetch to the North Bay MattawaConservation Authority for their partnership andefforts in seeing this project completed, along withcommunity donors. There were challenges, as everyproject has, but everyone working together in agood way, made this site the incredible space that itnow is. Miskwaadesi will be a place of learning andteaching for many years to come. There is someplanting to be done, but Trees for Nipissing,Sustainable Canadore and Eagle Tree pitched in toplant 20 cedar trees the other day. It looks great, Ican’t wait to see it with the grass growing in and thenative plants. Have a great June, we look forward to having you atthe pow wow , or Indigenous Peoples Day (June21st), or maybe seeing you at Miskwaadesi.Whatever the month brings, be safe! Executive DirectorAniin Boozhoo, Wachey! Kathy Fortin

5NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024Aanii/Boozhoo/Wachay/Sekon/Atilehai/Greetingskina waya!Bnesi ndizhnikaaz, Wazhashk doodem MichiSaagig Anishinabek, Wakkwa:ho Kanien’keha:kaHaudenosaunee; Alderville ndoonjibaa. NorthBay endayaan. Anishinabek ndaw.The colour green – ozhaawashkwaa -- is verymuch on our minds these days as we watchleaves bursting out from the plants and treesaround us.Growth at our Friendship Centre doesn’t wait fora particular season.Our dedicated board and staff members arealways looking for opportunities to expand theservices we provide for the 8,000 Indigenousresidents of the North Bay area.In addition to the 36 programs we now offer foreveryone from expectant parents to seniorcitizens in our home base on Cassells Street, our“footprint” has grown to support the needs ofothers in our city.Across the street, Suswin Village is providing a“nest” for men who are trying to replace thedespair of homelessness with hope for ameaningful future. Residents have started theirown garden in the building’s grassy backyard,and can watch the growth of 16 young trees thatwere a key element of the site’s landscaping.Nearby Niizhwaas Asiniik Skoonweh Kahn, ourSeven Stones Learning Centre, is an alternateschool for students 18 and over and has held itsfirst graduation ceremony, an important exampleof a different kind of growth.Finishing touches, including the installation ofbeds of flowers and Medicine plants, are beingcarried out at the picturesque MiskwaadesiIndigenous cultural learning area alongsideChippewa Creek in the heart of the city, which willbe officially opened later this year.And vegetation is really blooming at the 200-acreRiding Stable Road property where the Centre iscreating a site for ceremonies and outdoorlearning.The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centrecontinues to plant seeds of service thatcontribute to our community’s wellbeing, and weare blessed by having staff members who are themost caring of gardeners.-Maurice Switzer, BnesiPresidentNorth Bay Indigenous Friendship CentrePRESIDENT’SMESSAGE

We are looking for volunteers of all ages to joinus from Friday, June 7th, Saturday, June 8th, &Sunday, June 9th. Students can also count thesehours towards their placement requirements.VolunteersNeeded!VolunteersNeeded!We Need Help WithElder ParkingElder TentDignitaries SupportPersonsArbor HelperSound AssistantGround HelpersAnd much, much more!Scan & Sign up tosave the dateand get updates! (705)472-2811 ext. 207cjw@nbifc.orgPearl SandySign Up Today!June 7, 8 &9, 2024Lee Park800 Memorial Dr,North Bay, ONKindaaswinKindaaswinpow-wowpow-wowTHE 16THTHE 16THANNUALANNUALMaamwiMaamwi

Catch a FREE ride to the pow-wow grounds at Lee Park, Bus will runfrom 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday.Picks ups and drop offs will be along the route at the regular stop!Grand Entry is at NOON both days, & 7pm Saturday.

8NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024M.M.I.W.GA special Chi-miigwetch to thespeakers that took part in MMIW RedDress Day and shared their storiesand experiences. Mary Morneau ofNorth Bay, Vanessa Brosseau, akaResilient Inuk on Instagram, and MaryZacharchauk all had words thatinspired others to continue looking forour women and to never stop tryingto raise awareness.

Why Red?Red dresses are used tocall the spirits of missingand murdered womenand girls back to theirloved ones. The goal wasto speak to the genderedand racialized nature ofviolent crimes againstIndigenous women and toevoke a presence bymarking absence.9NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024

It was in response to the murder of HannaHarris on the Northern CheyenneReservation and other abductions andkillings of Native women across the UnitedStates. Since 2017, actions on May 5th tohonor MMIW at the local, regional, andnational level continue to grow across theUnited States and internationally. Why is Red DressDay on May 5?

NOTICE TO MEMBERSNOTICE TO MEMBERSANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGNBIFC GYMNASIUM5PMDINNER WILL BE SERVEDNBIFC GYMNASIUM5PMDINNER WILL BE SERVEDAudit ReportBylaw #6Review/Approve Strategic PlanElect Board of Directors - 4 Seats AvailableItems to be addressed:Items to be addressed:980 Cassells Street, North Bay, ON P1B 4A8(705)472-2811 reception@nbifc.orgJUNE 19, 2024 Everyone with a NBIFC Membership in good standing iswelcome to attend. Eligible voters are those in possessionof a membership for over one year. JUNE 19, 2024

THE APATISIWIN PROGRAM SEES ANOTHERSUCCESSFUL STUDENTFOR THE 2023/2024ACADEMIC YEAREMERALD BEAR-FORTIN -CULINARY PROGRAM I am so very thankful to the Apatisiwinprogram which played a significantpart in my success. I signed up verylate for college and wasn’t sure I’d begetting any funding. However, Stevepulled through and was able toprovide me with not only funding formy tuition but also books and tools. AsI finish my second year of CulinaryArts, I am already set up with a careerand ready to work towards my RedSeal. To make this transition periodeasier, Steve has offered to get me incontact with Indigenous resources inOttawa which I am incredibly gratefulfor. The Apatisiwin program trulyhelped reduce some of the stressorsthat come with college and is one ofthe many reasons why I strive to domy best. Thanks to them, I will begraduating this year and moving intothe next stage of my life with theknowledge that there will always bepeople willing to help.12NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024

Celebrating our Indigenous CulturesFriday, June 21, 202410:30 am - 2:30 pmEveryone Welcome!Everyone Welcome!PresentsPeoples DayPeoples DayIndigenous Indigenous Craft Station - Trina Rickard (Cree) KeychainsPainting Workshop - with Miriam Blake (Inuit)BBQ with sit down area insideOpen Mic - Door PrizesPhoto Booth for Selfies, Face Painting,Cotton Candy, Popcorn & Snow ConesCraft Station - Trina Rickard (Cree) KeychainsPainting Workshop - with Miriam Blake (Inuit)BBQ with sit down area insideOpen Mic - Door PrizesPhoto Booth for Selfies, Face Painting,Cotton Candy, Popcorn & Snow ConesContact: Traci Koritsarisevents@nbifc.org for more information980 Cassells St, North Bay P1B 4A8

The Healthy Living Program welcomed Grade 5students from École Publique Héritage School who each created their first ribbon skirt.It's truly remarkable! The young students were thrilled to engage in thishands-on cultural project, learning not just thecraft of making ribbon skirts but also the richtraditions and stories behind them.14NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024RIBBON SKIRT MAKINGRibbon Skirts symbolizeresilience, survival, and identity,with their significance evolvingfor each wearer and storyteller.In Indigenous cultures, theRibbon Skirt signifies the journeyof personal reclamation,embracing and proudlydisplaying one's identity.

For More Information:Kim Stephen(705) 472-2811 ext 217daw@nbifc.orgNorth Bay IndigenousFriendship CentreNorth Bay IndigenousFriendship CentreJust Just Another Another Bannock Bannock MondayMondaybannocktea coffeebannocktea coffeeJune 3rd & 17thfrom 1-3 pmJune 3rd & 17thfrom 1-3 pmIndigenous Mental Health and Wellness ProgramIndigenous Mental Health and Wellness Program

HAND DRUM MAKING16NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024Kim Stephen our Mental Health and Wellness Worker &Andrew Sutherland our Healing and Wellness Worker,was over at the North Bay Regional Health Centreassisting with the hand drum making workshop withIndigenous Services. It was a great day of laughs andlearning with each other, the drums turned out great.The drums symbolize MotherEarth's heartbeat and promotelistening to one's soul. Therhythmic beats unitedparticipants, fostering culturalreconnection and spiritualhealing. Stories were shared,traditions honored, and adeeper appreciation forIndigenous heritage cultivated.The workshop highlightedunity, diversity, and communitybonds, leaving participants witha sense of purpose andconnection. The drumscontinue to resonate the spiritof unity and healing.

LLC organized vest-makingsessions for men facilitated byTracey Larochelle. The mencreated beautiful vests, someadding personal embroidery. Theactivity promoted creativity,camaraderie, and a sense ofachievement. Tracey's guidanceenhanced the quality, fosteringteamwork and lasting bonds. Themen proudly wore their vests,sparking conversations andadmiration. Future workshopsare planned to continue skill-building and communityenrichment.LLC organized vest-makingsessions for men facilitated byTracey Larochelle. The mencreated beautiful vests, someadding personal embroidery. Theactivity promoted creativity,camaraderie, and a sense ofachievement. Tracey's guidanceenhanced the quality, fosteringteamwork and lasting bonds. Themen proudly wore their vests,sparking conversations andadmiration. Future workshopsare planned to continue skill-building and communityenrichment.18NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024Life Long Care ProgramVest Making Workshop

(705) 472-2811 Ext. 228https://nbifc.org/employment-opportunities/For more information on these postings, go to:Please send a cover letter,resume, and 3 references to:Human Resources CoordinatorEmail: hrc@nbifc.orgWE AREWE AREHIRING!HIRING!Open Positions Prenatal NutritionProgram WorkerCultural ResourceCoordinatorFASD Family Nutrition WorkerCasual Part Time ReliefWorkers - SuswinTransitional House Summer Intern Office AssistantAHOW Health Outreach Worker

20NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024Inukshuk SoapstoneCarving Workshopwith Suswin ResidentsParticipants from Suswin Villageengaged in a soapstone carvingworkshop led by Andrew and Kris.They shaped soapstone intomeaningful forms, creating a warmand supportive atmosphere withstories and laughter. The carvingprocess was meditative, allowing forreflection and artistic expression.Each participant left with a uniqueinukshuk, symbolizing their journeyand community strength, highlightingcultural heritage and well-being.

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 - 8:00pmJune 4, 11,18, & 25 *Must be presentat first session*Class limited to first 10people to registerAll skill levels welcome!Start a new beading project or bring your own.All supplies will be provided.CommunityBeadingBeadingCircle

22NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024Wachay, my name is Gina Davey, and I’m from Moose Cree FirstNation in Moose Factory. I am the new Akwego EnhancementCoordinator. I’m excited to get to know my role and how tobest serve our families. My background is in Early ChildhoodEducation, behavior management specifically in Autism andADHD. I graduated from the Early Childhood Education last fallthrough FNTI and Canadore College. I bring over 15 years ofexperience and knowledge in working with families and theirchildren. I am mom to three teenagers and our fur baby. Ienjoy long walks, biking, beading, being out on the land,spending time with family and friends.Akwe:go Enhancement Workerᐧᐋᒋᔮᐦ | Waachiyaah,Josiah Dixon (ᒎᐅᓵᔮᐦ ᑎᒃᓯᓐ) nitisinihkaasun, as the new WaabanWorker for the Indigenous Friendship Centre, I am excited andhonoured to serve the Indigenous community of North Bay. Myroots trace back to the Eastern James Bay Territory of the CreeNation of Mistissini, Quebec, where I was raised and born. Ispent most of my life on the reserve until I moved to Ottawa tofurther my studies as a youth with my mother.After several years, I graduated high school and moved back toNorthern Quebec in the community of Ouje-Bougoumou -Cree Nation in 2018. I started to look for work and found a job I liked at the Cree School Board as acontracted and occasional teacher. I remained there until I decided to apply for post-secondaryinstitutions in geography and education. In 2020, I accepted my offer to attend Nipissing University,where I will enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Environment and Physical Geography program.However, the 2020 pandemic did delay my transition to North Bay until the fall of 2023, when Iofficially moved here.My role is not just a job but a calling to contribute to the betterment of my community. I am dedicatedto creating positive change and instilling a sense of belonging and support among my Indigenousfamily.Waaban WorkerMEET OUR NEW STAFF & WELCOME OURNEW STUDENT PLACEMENT!

Student PlacementHello everyone, My name is John Stephen and I am aplacement student in the Mental Health andAddictions Program at Canadore College. I amcurrently a month into my 3 month placement and Iam really liking my time here. Before, I had no ideathe Friendship Centre offered so many programs andI find myself floating from department to departmenthelping in any way I can. During my placement, aspart of my program, I am hosting a workshop on July5th with the Wasanabin Program. Lastly, I would liketo thank the Friendship Centre and its employees fortaking me on and accepting me as their placementstudent. Meegwetch.page continued-23NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024Don't miss the chance tojoin a Gundam modelbuilding workshop withthe Wasanabin and John.Learn assembly, painting,detailing, and tricks.Email Christine atwasanabin@nbifc.org tosecure your spot.Don't miss the chance tojoin a Gundam modelbuilding workshop withthe Wasanabin and John.Learn assembly, painting,detailing, and tricks.Email Christine atwasanabin@nbifc.org tosecure your spot.

NBIFC Gymnasium980 Cassells St, North Bay, ON P1B 4A8SINGINGDRUMMINGDANCINGEvery TuesdaysNORTH BAY INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIP CENTREFor more info,please contactAndrewSutherlandahws@nbifc.org orMelissa Lafrancecwp@nbifc.orgFor more info,please contactAndrewSutherlandahws@nbifc.org orMelissa Lafrancecwp@nbifc.org6:00 - 8:00 PMSNACKS ANDDRINKS WILLBE PROVIDED.BRING YOURREGALIA TOPRACTICEDANCING ANDDRUMMING!&

7 in 10 Children7 in 10 Childrenenjoy reading forenjoy reading forfun, withfun, withenjoyment beingenjoyment beingthe highestthe highestamong childrenamong childrenages 7-11.ages 7-11.-Scholastic-ScholasticSurveySurvey Kids and teens should aim fora solid 60 minutes of energeticexercise daily. This fun habitsets them up for a healthierfuture. - Health Canada25NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024

26NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024RATTLE WORKSHOPThe rattles, made from natural materials like wood, leather,and beads, were not just musical instruments but alsopowerful symbols of connection and healing. Asparticipants decorated their rattles, they shared stories andlaughter, creating bonds that would last long after theworkshop ended.By the end of the day, everyone left with more than just ahandmade rattle; they carried with them a deeperappreciation for our culture and the importance ofcommunity support in nurturing healthy, happy babies.Family support and Healthy Babies Program did a rattle workshop with May Delavigne, guided participantsthrough the intricate process, explaining the significance of each step. The room was filled with a sense ofcommunity and learning, as parents and children alike listened intently to her stories and teachings.Family Support and Healthy Babies Program hosted a rattle workshop, facilitated by MayDelavigne, guiding participants through the intricate process while elucidating the importance ofeach stage. The room buzzed with community spirit and knowledge, with parents and childrenengrossed in her narratives and teachings.The rattles, crafted from natural materials such as wood,leather, and beads, served not only as musical instrumentsbut also as potent symbols of unity and healing. As attendeesembellished their rattles, they exchanged stories andlaughter, forming connections that endured long after theworkshop concluded.

Join us for a men’s open talking Circleevery Wednesday from2:00pm - 3:00pmFor more information contactKris: kizhaay@nbifc.org (705)472-2811 x 216980 Cassells StreetNorth Bay, ON P1B 4V8Light snacks andrefreshments will be providedN O R T H B A Y I N D I G E N O U S F R I E N D S H I P C E N T R EN O R T H B A Y I N D I G E N O U S F R I E N D S H I P C E N T R EEEYYLLKKEEWWRRGGOOUUPPSSMMEENN‘‘REGISTER HEREREGISTER HERE

It's been in the works for a few years, but finally, Miskwaadesihas reached the end stages of completion. On May 19th, a crewfrom Trees for Nipissing, Eagle Tree Services, and SustainableCanadore came and planted an arch of 20 cedar trees at the topof the hill, behind the seating of the amphitheatre. As they grow,the shade on the seating area will be very helpful.In partnership with the North Bay-Mattawa ConservationAuthority and many donors, a place that was only a dream formany years has come to fruition. This space is a place ofreconciliation, learning, and healing. The good energy around itis impossible to ignore. There will eventually be signage and linksto videos explaining all the elements of the space to visitors.There are 4 posts around the turtle that indicate the 4 directionsof the medicine wheel. As well, Miskwaadesi herself has the 13large scutes, and the 28 smaller ones that represent theteachings that go with the turtle. Seven stone ‘eggs’ are byChippewa Creek, representing the seven teachings of Love,Truth, Respect, Wisdom, Humility, Honesty, and Bravery.Leo DeLoyde, our trusty volunteer, was on hand to get theproject wrapped up in a good way, and ensure that all the boxeswere ticked to finish it up. Miigwetch Leo!June 3rd to 9th (and maybe beyond) volunteers will be gettingtogether to put down landscape fabric and wood mulch foranother part of Miskwaadesi. The large ‘Island’ bed is going to bepopulated with many native plants that have been missing fromour Urban Landscapes, many for a long, long time. Plants likeCardinal Flowers, Blanket Flowers, Bee Balm, Prairie Smoke, andmany more. Also, some shrubs that are vital to birds will be putin a few choice spaces at the site.Reconciliation doesn’t just need to happen between humans. It'smore important than ever that we do our part as the two-leggeds to ensure that there is habitat for all of our relations, thefliers, crawlers, and four-leggeds to lead a good life as well. Besure to check in at Miskwaadesi over the next few years and seethe evolution from a space filled with invasives to a space thatcan be a respite for many.It's been in the works for a few years, but finally, Miskwaadesihas reached the end stages of completion. On May 19th, a crewfrom Trees for Nipissing, Eagle Tree Services, and SustainableCanadore came and planted an arch of 20 cedar trees at the topof the hill, behind the seating of the amphitheatre. As they grow,the shade on the seating area will be very helpful.In partnership with the North Bay-Mattawa ConservationAuthority and many donors, a place that was only a dream formany years has come to fruition. This space is a place ofreconciliation, learning, and healing. The good energy around itis impossible to ignore. There will eventually be signage and linksto videos explaining all the elements of the space to visitors.There are 4 posts around the turtle that indicate the 4 directionsof the medicine wheel. As well, Miskwaadesi herself has the 13large scutes, and the 28 smaller ones that represent theteachings that go with the turtle. Seven stone ‘eggs’ are byChippewa Creek, representing the seven teachings of Love,Truth, Respect, Wisdom, Humility, Honesty, and Bravery.Leo DeLoyde, our trusty volunteer, was on hand to get theproject wrapped up in a good way, and ensure that all the boxeswere ticked to finish it up. Miigwetch Leo!June 3rd to 9th (and maybe beyond) volunteers will be gettingtogether to put down landscape fabric and wood mulch foranother part of Miskwaadesi. The large ‘Island’ bed is going to bepopulated with many native plants that have been missing fromour Urban Landscapes, many for a long, long time. Plants likeCardinal Flowers, Blanket Flowers, Bee Balm, Prairie Smoke, andmany more. Also, some shrubs that are vital to birds will be putin a few choice spaces at the site.Reconciliation doesn’t just need to happen between humans. It'smore important than ever that we do our part as the two-leggeds to ensure that there is habitat for all of our relations, thefliers, crawlers, and four-leggeds to lead a good life as well. Besure to check in at Miskwaadesi over the next few years and seethe evolution from a space filled with invasives to a space thatcan be a respite for many.Miskwaadesii, Painted Turtle Project28NBIFC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024

NBIFCPhotoContestSubmit your photo to be on the cover of ournext Newsletter. Thousands of people acrossTurtle Island and beyond see our Newslettereach 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 a photo, you agree tothe use and publication of the image where the NBIFC sees fit, and you have obtainedpermission from the subjects to be photographed and submitted to the contest.