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Stepheny PalmerStepheny PalmerMARCH2 02 4MARCH2 0 2 4NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNorth Bay Indigenous Friendship CentreNorth Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE50TH ANNIVERSARYNOTICE ABOUT 50TH GALA DIAPER DRIVE A SUCCESSFREE BUDGETING WORKSHOPLANGUAGE CONFERENCEPOW WOW NEW HEALTHY BABIES WORKERJOB POSTINGSLLC VALENTINES BINGOSEVEN STONES PROJECTSBEAVER HATS AT SUSWINRATTLE MAKING CHILDRENS PROGRAMSMEET THE NEW STAFFKEEPERS OF THE CIRCLEMENS SKIRT MAKING WORKSHOPWHAT’S UP IN MARCHCAC BRINGS INUIT CULTUREASIST TRAININGSTAFF DIRECTORY662424161612121313MARCHTABLE OF CONTENTS34567891011121314151618192022262728If your organization wishes to featureIndigenous-related events or activitiesin our newsletter, we would bedelighted to share them. Kindly sendus an email at inquire@nbifc.org.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGEWe have had other staff changes as well,including lateral transfers within the NBIFC, Iconsider our Centre very fortunate to have suchan incredible team, even as it evolves andchanges, everyone puts part of their spirit intowhat makes the NBIFC what it is, and I’m soproud of what the Centre does for ourcommunity. Miigwetch for being part of it. The diaper drive was an amazing example ofhow connected and caring our community is.Donations came from all over the place and ittook 2 full pick up truck loads (seats included)and 2 SUV loads to get everything moved.Miigwetch to everyone who helped! With that, I look forward to seeing you at any ofthe events happening this Spring, please besure to check that your membership is up todate, and perhaps consider running for theBoard of Directors this June at the AnnualGeneral Meeting. Baamaapii, Kathy FortinNBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 3Aaniin Boozhoo and Wachey! Well, the weather has been giving us a little bit ofwhiplash with the sudden switching from Springand back to Winter, we all know that eventuallySpring will win out, and I for one am ready for it, soI’m wishing you a happy Spring now. All of the staff here at the NBIFC have sprung intofull action, we have so many events coming up, Ireally hope that there is something that everyonecan enjoy. Our team is pulling together an amazingLanguage Conference, which is happening March26 and 27 at the Best Western. It was important tous, since we are an Urban Indigenous organizationto have language speakers from different places,representing the diverse cultures that make upthe North Bay Urban Indigenous population. Wehave a mix Anishinaabemowin, Cree and Inuitspeakers, activities, and teachings that no matterwhat level of language you speak, it will beenjoyable. The theme is Bringing Our LanguagesBack, encouraging people to keep learning. The 50th Anniversary planned for April 6th, at theBest Western, is coming together incredibly well.There was a mix up in the mailouts of theinvitations, there will be a notice about it in thenewsletter on the next page. Staff are workingdiligently to get this mix up straightened out.Please expect a phone call in the upcoming weeks.If you are a Member and your information is out ofdate, this would be the time to update it. I would like to take a minute to wish AnnetteManuel the best on her new adventure. Afternearly 25 years at the NBIFC she has decided totake a position at Nipissing First Nation. We are soincredibly grateful for all her hard work anddedication to our parents and babies all theseyears, and know she will do great things at NFN,they are very lucky to have her.
50 50TICKETS $70.00/ SEATMEMBERS $20.00/SEAT DEPOSITTICKETS $70.00/ SEATMEMBERS $20.00/SEAT DEPOSITB E S T W E S T E R N H O T E LB E S T W E S T E R N H O T E L700 LAKESHORE DRIVE, NORTH BAY P1A 2G4700 LAKESHORE DRIVE, NORTH BAY P1A 2G4Formal Dinner &EntertainmentMusic & Dancing Formal Dinner &EntertainmentMusic & Dancing THTHYOU ARE INVITED TO THEYOU ARE INVITED TO THESpring CelebrationSpring Celebrationof the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’sof the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’sAnniversary GalaAnniversary GalaSaturday April 6th, 2024DOORS OPEN AT 4:00 PM FORMOCKTAILS18 YRS+Saturday April 6th, 2024DOORS OPEN AT 4:00 PM FORMOCKTAILS18 YRS+reception@nbifc.org(705)472-2811reception@nbifc.org(705)472-2811
NBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 6DIAPER DRIVE FORATTAWAPISKAT FIRST NATIONThe first batch of necessities is on the roadto Attawapiskat in the OPP Truth andReconciliation Vehicle. Student LeadOrganizer Albany Benson, surrounded bysupporters like George Couchie, the OPPand staff from the Board of Education andthe NBIFC. The first load is headed north inthe OPP Every Child Matters SUV, theremainder of the gathered donations willbe sent via train to Moosonee than on toAttawapiskat. Well done Albany and theteam of volunteers!The Indigenous Youth Circle, comprised ofIndigenous students from area high schoolsChippewa and West Ferris, banded together tohave a diaper drive for Attawapiskat, one ofmany communities that are hit hard byskyrocketing prices of baby goods. Students,staff, community members, The Sisters of St.Joseph Sault Ste. Marie, Motherhouse Staff,Shoppers Drug Mart, Carters and the North BayIndigenous Friendship Centre made generousdonations to the drive. It was incredible to seeeverything together in one room. Studentsreceived much more than expected and we’reextremely happy with the results!Above: The heap of baby goods that wasmoved from the NBIFC to Chippewa, withIndigenous Youth Circle memberAmiah Saville.Above: some of the adorable clothescollected by West Ferris Students.
Budgeting PRE-REGISTER PLEASE705-472-2811 ext 210 afsw@nbifc.orgHOSTED BY THE NBIFC ANDMELANIE’S BUSINESSMANAGEMENT ANDSERVICESWITH MELFRIDAY MARCH 22FRIDAY MARCH 229:30AM - 12:00PM9:30AM - 12:00PMNBFIC GYMNASIUMNBFIC GYMNASIUMLearn Proven Strategies for healthier financesHow Credit Ratings WorkHow to Repair Bad CreditFinancial Planning isn’t as boringas you think!
NBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 10New Healthy Babies Healthy Children Worker,but not a new Employee! Hello everyone. My name is Chelsea Renaud and I am the new Indigenous Healthy Babies HealthyChildren program worker at the NBIFC. The IHBHC worker helps provide families with theopportunities to promote healthy development in their children aged 0-6. This is done throughhome visiting, cultural programming, and holistic support services.Home visiting is a vital component of the IHBHC program. Through home visiting, I am able to assistfamilies with healthy development, nutrition and healthy eating, cultural teachings, parenting, andbuilding self-esteem. Home visiting is beneficial to families as it provides one-on-one time in acomfortable environment, it allows me to support families in their homes and on their terms, and ithelps families to have improved access to holistic support services.While home visiting is an important aspect of the IHBHC program, we do also provide cultural andactivity-based programming. Look out for my March calendar for programs such as: Tikinaganworkshop, the return of Lil’ Eaglets Open Gym, community kitchen workshop, and a children’s EasterParty in partnership with the Family Support program.If you feel you and your family could benefit from the Indigenous Healthy Babies Healthy Childrenprogram, please reach out to me today to discuss registering. I am looking forward to helping theurban Indigenous families of North Bay. Miigwetch!Hello everyone. My name is Chelsea Renaud and I am the new Indigenous Healthy Babies HealthyChildren program worker at the NBIFC. The IHBHC worker helps provide families with theopportunities to promote healthy development in their children aged 0-6. This is done throughhome visiting, cultural programming, and holistic support services.Home visiting is a vital component of the IHBHC program. Through home visiting, I am able to assistfamilies with healthy development, nutrition and healthy eating, cultural teachings, parenting, andbuilding self-esteem. Home visiting is beneficial to families as it provides one-on-one time in acomfortable environment, it allows me to support families in their homes and on their terms, and ithelps families to have improved access to holistic support services.While home visiting is an important aspect of the IHBHC program, we do also provide cultural andactivity-based programming. Look out for my March calendar for programs such as: Tikinaganworkshop, the return of Lil’ Eaglets Open Gym, community kitchen workshop, and a children’s EasterParty in partnership with the Family Support program.If you feel you and your family could benefit from the Indigenous Healthy Babies Healthy Childrenprogram, please reach out to me today to discuss registering. I am looking forward to helping theurban Indigenous families of North Bay. Miigwetch!
Please Send Cover Letter, Resume and 3 References to:HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR Email: hrc@nbifc.orgPlease Send Cover Letter, Resume and 3 References to:HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR Email: hrc@nbifc.orgWE ARE HIRING!WE ARE HIRING!Available PositionsKizhaay Anishinaabe Niin – I am a Kind Man Program WorkerSuswin Village Transitional House:Casual Relief Worker - On GoingBook keeper AssistantLife Long Care Driver - Part TimeCultural Resource Coordinator Prenatal Nutrition Program Worker
Valentine's Day BingoValentine's Day BingoNBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 12LIFE LONG CAREThe Life Long Care Program had a beautifulValentine's Bingo with some great mysteryprizes. It was also Joe's birthday. We won'tdisclose the number though.
We have been growing our own garden allwinter in the classroom using thehydroponics gardenNBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 13SEVEN STONES STUDENTS FINISHINGLEATHER PROJECTSThese pics were taken inDecember 2023Bernice had spent weekshelping the students makemoccasins for ChristmasIn January, Mary Morneauhelped the students makemittens, They all turned out sogreat! We always light our virtualfire for any cultural activities.January Mittens Completed!
The past few weeks, Suswin residents and Bernice Koosees, our Life Long Care Worker, havebeen working hard on sewing beaver fur hats. Despite the challenges of this project, theyhave been persistent, and they will have some incredibly warm, beautiful winter gear, just incase winter decides to show up this year . Some of the hats are complete and look beautiful! The past few weeks, Suswin residents and Bernice Koosees, our Life Long Care Worker, havebeen working hard on sewing beaver fur hats. Despite the challenges of this project, theyhave been persistent, and they will have some incredibly warm, beautiful winter gear, just incase winter decides to show up this year . Some of the hats are complete and look beautiful! Beaver Hat MakingBeaver Hat MakingNBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 14
I am Jean Luc Nadon and I have a brother Richard. Hehas Downs Syndrome. I took time each day for threeyears to teach him the alphabet, how to write hisname, taught him his address, mathematics, additionsubtraction. My brother and I grew up together for 20years. We hung out at the beach. We would makesandcastles and sand sculptures. We would collectclam shells and rocks. Anytime it would rain, and wecouldn’t go outside, we liked our video games or boardgames and/or card games. My brother would pick me up after school everyday,rain, or shine, with my dog Ginger, a wire-haired terrierbeagle. We would make a snowman every winter, goskating and tobogganing, we would make snow angelsand igloos. In the fall we would go camping andhunting and fishing with my mom and dad. He wouldhelp me rake leaves and mow lawns for money or playon the swings in the park. In the spring we wouldexplore new trails and walking paths.Get to Know the Suswin CrewIn February, Sandra Thorkelson, the Communication Coordinator, took a bit of time to host a funworkshop with the gang at Suswin Village, as a way for everyone to get to know the guys who callSuswin home. Let's give our neighbours a warm welcome and Miigwetch for your submissions to theNewsletter! Jean LucPaul’s Favourite AdviceWhen a flashlight grows dim, or quits working, you don't throw it away,you change the batteries. When a person messes up and finds themselves in a dark place, do youcast them aside? Of course not. You help them change their batteries.Some may need AA batteries, " Attention & Affection"Some may need AAA batterries " Attention. Affection & Acceptance "Some may need C batterries " Compassion "Some may need D batterries " Direction "And if they still don't seem to shine, simply sit with them quietly, andshare your light. I read this on the internet a while ago, and it stuck with me and I think its really good so Ithought I would share it. NBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 15
RATTLE MAKING & TEACHING Maya & JohnNBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 16John Matthews was kind enough tocome down from Attawapiskat andshow our Seven Stones students, acouple of Suswin residents andinterested comunity members howto make a shaker. The youngestparticipant of the workshop, Maya,found the sticks particularlyspecial.
NBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 17Children's Programs Lend Support and FunThe NBIFC has always put a priority on Urban Indigenous kids lives because here we arenurturing the seeds of cultural heritage, better health and community spirit in the hearts ofour youngest members. These programs aren't just about fun and games; they're aboutplanting the seeds of tradition, belonging, and pride in our Indigenous roots.The NBIFC is a place where children gather to listen and learn about traditions, great music,and participate in activities that build on family skills like cooking, or fun events likeHalloween parties or parents can get help making their little ones first regalia. Here at the NBIFC, our children find more than just friends; they find a second family. Theylaugh, learn, and grow together, guided by the wisdom and warmth of our staff, Elders andcommunity. It's a place where every child is valued, where differences are celebrated, andwhere everyone belongs.Be sure to bring your little one to check out any of the many activities we have going onduring any given month. Soon we will be doing adventures to the local parks. We can’t wait!
Life Long Care WorkerMEET OUR NEW STAFFNBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 18APNP/FSW Worker AssistantAniin, Boozhoo, Kwe Kwe, Hello,My name is Kayla Commanda and I am the newPrenatal Family Support Assistant. I'm from thebeautiful Nipissing First Nation, grew up in andaround the area all my life. I am a wife andmother to three beautiful children.My interests include beading, puzzles, andplaying games. I'm creative and love toincorporate native culture into my teachings.My favourite thing to do is spend time with myfamily.I am grateful for this opportunity. I'm so excitedand eagerly looking forward to meeting childrenand their families to support a healthy familylife and to ensure Indigenous women are giventhe opportunity to have healthy babies.I feel blessed to be here and hope to incorporate my teachings and knowledge into the team.Miigwetch, Thank you.My name is Lynn Chevrier-Pearce, and I haverecently assumed the position of Life Long CareWorker. As a devoted mother of four and a proudMemere to seven, my passion for caregiving isprofound. With a commendable track record of 15years as a Support Worker, I have consistentlyextended my support to those requiring assistance.Beyond my professional endeavors, I derivehappiness from activities such as fishing andenjoying the music of Shania Twain. I am excited tobe part of the LLC team and am enthusiastic aboutembarking on this new chapter.
Welcome to Our New Student Placement!Koolimalsi,My name is Jessica Dolson, I am Turtle ClanHaudenosaunee and Lenaape from Munsee-Delaware Nation. I graduated from WesternUniversity in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts inNutrition and Families Studies and a minor inIndigenous Studies. I am a second-year studentin the Bachelor of Education program atNipissing University. I have a passion for workingwith Indigenous students and am excited to bringIndigenous perspectives and values into theclassroom.My experience in mainstream school was not easy and is what led me to the path of wanting tobetter support Indigenous students and their families along their lifelong learning journey. Iwant to inspire students to find their love for learning not only in the classroom but in allaspects of their lives and the world around them. I am also a mom of two beautiful daughters,Sadie who is age 8 and Saige, age 3.Anushiik Thank You,Jessica DolsonHello, my name is Gabi Labreche. I have recentlystarted as a Waaban worker for the North BayIndigenous Friendship Centre.My passion for as long as I can remember hasbeen helping others. My love for learning andcreativity is what makes me who I am.I have lived in North Bay all my life, including forpost-secondary school where I achieved a dualdiploma in mental health and addictions, as wellas social service worker.I have been working in the community since mygraduation in early 2022 and am looking forwardto this new chapter.Waaban WorkerNBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 19
NBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 24NBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 24Mens’ Skirt Making WorkshopMens’ Skirt Making WorkshopIn what may be one of the NBIFC’s best everworkshops, a pair of men stepped up to comein and learn how to make a ribbon skirt forsomeone they care about. The skirts could befor anyone they wanted, Mother, Daughter,Spouse, or Friend. But the idea is todemonstrate support and respect for the rolewomen play in our commuity. In what may be one of the NBIFC’s best everworkshops, a pair of men stepped up to comein and learn how to make a ribbon skirt forsomeone they care about. The skirts could befor anyone they wanted, Mother, Daughter,Spouse, or Friend. But the idea is todemonstrate support and respect for the rolewomen play in our commuity. Trina Rickard,our HealthyLiving Programworker, andseamstressextraordinaire,models one ofthe skirtsmade by oneof the men. Itsbeautiful! Trina Rickard,our HealthyLiving Programworker, andseamstressextraordinaire,models one ofthe skirtsmade by oneof the men. Itsbeautiful!
As February draws to a close, the observance of Valentine’s Day and Chocolate Day are joyfulmemories of recent past. The roses, carnations and all other varieties of fragrant flowers weredelivered to their cherish beloved. The delicious sweet chocolates dancing in dazzling brightboxes were opened with delight on the bright superstar day in February.As March arrives, patiently we wait to see if the month comes in with a roar of a lion or thegentleness of the lamb. March is such an unpredictable month that perhaps both lion and lambwill enter onto the scene. No matter the outcome of the weather, March will bring with itholidays and many daily observances, actually one for each day of the month.One of the holidays celebrated at the end of March is Easter and Good Friday which holdsdifferent meanings to many people. However you celebrate Easter, whether it’s with family,friends, or some quiet time alone, the Friendship Centre wishes you a safe and Happy Easter.St. Patrick’s Day is one of the observance days in March. Perhaps one could say the superstar ofthe observed days in March which is brought to you by the Emerald Isle. It’s a day when the Irishheritage is celebrated and shamrocks are on display. One of the mythical beliefs that seemed tohave possibly started in America is that the colour green is to be worn by all, this make youinvisible to the mischievous leprechauns.There are many more observance days in March like National Cereal Day, National Meatball Day,National Potato Chip Day, International Waffle Day, National Hug Your Dog Day, Cuddly KittenDay, First Day of Ramadan, National Women’s Day, World Puppetry Day, and National CrayonDay to name a few.As well, several weekly commemorations and monthly recognitions that promotes awareness ona diverse range of topics such as International Women’s Day, World Sleep Day, Purple Day,World Hearing Day, Creative Arts Therapy week, Brain Awareness Week, Brain Health AwarenessMonth, Epilepsy Awareness month, Music Therapy Awareness Month, Nutrition Month, NationalSocial Work Month, and 5 Days for the Homeless Month are just a few among many others.With this small list of some of March’s observance days and holiday, we gain insight on each dayand the opportunity to increase our awareness on a variety of topics.As February draws to a close, the observance of Valentine’s Day and Chocolate Day are joyfulmemories of recent past. The roses, carnations and all other varieties of fragrant flowers weredelivered to their cherish beloved. The delicious sweet chocolates dancing in dazzling brightboxes were opened with delight on the bright superstar day in February.As March arrives, patiently we wait to see if the month comes in with a roar of a lion or thegentleness of the lamb. March is such an unpredictable month that perhaps both lion and lambwill enter onto the scene. No matter the outcome of the weather, March will bring with itholidays and many daily observances, actually one for each day of the month.One of the holidays celebrated at the end of March is Easter and Good Friday which holdsdifferent meanings to many people. However you celebrate Easter, whether it’s with family,friends, or some quiet time alone, the Friendship Centre wishes you a safe and Happy Easter.St. Patrick’s Day is one of the observance days in March. Perhaps one could say the superstar ofthe observed days in March which is brought to you by the Emerald Isle. It’s a day when the Irishheritage is celebrated and shamrocks are on display. One of the mythical beliefs that seemed tohave possibly started in America is that the colour green is to be worn by all, this make youinvisible to the mischievous leprechauns.There are many more observance days in March like National Cereal Day, National Meatball Day,National Potato Chip Day, International Waffle Day, National Hug Your Dog Day, Cuddly KittenDay, First Day of Ramadan, National Women’s Day, World Puppetry Day, and National CrayonDay to name a few.As well, several weekly commemorations and monthly recognitions that promotes awareness ona diverse range of topics such as International Women’s Day, World Sleep Day, Purple Day,World Hearing Day, Creative Arts Therapy week, Brain Awareness Week, Brain Health AwarenessMonth, Epilepsy Awareness month, Music Therapy Awareness Month, Nutrition Month, NationalSocial Work Month, and 5 Days for the Homeless Month are just a few among many others.With this small list of some of March’s observance days and holiday, we gain insight on each dayand the opportunity to increase our awareness on a variety of topics.NBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 25SHELLY STORIE-GREGOIREPROBATION AND PAROLEINDIGENOUS LIAISONSHELLY STORIE-GREGOIREPROBATION AND PAROLEINDIGENOUS LIAISONWhat's Up in MarchWhat's Up in March
Community ActionCircle Brings InuitCulture to the NBIFCMarion Blake from Happy ValleyGoose Bay Labrador took thetime to share a bit about hercommunity as well as some ofthe historical resources that sheinherited from her father, as wellas collected herself. Marion wasso kind as to bring ‘flummies’which are the Happy Valleyequivalent of Fry Bread. Theywere just as delicious as theylook, and didn’t last long. Marion is mother of TraciKoritsaris, our brand new EventsPlanner. We enjoyed Marion’scooking, her art, artifacts andher kind-hearted energy. NBIFC NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024 | PAGE 26
50th Anniversary Notice!Founding Families - Free for Founder (and guest) and/orChildren of Founding Member Lifetime Members - Free, guest ticket $70Board Members - Free, guest ticket $70Membership - $20 deposit on ticket that will be refunded atthe event.Non-Members (or Members with expired Membership) - $ 70/ ticketNon-Member Program Participants - $ 70/ticketCommunity - $70Note: We are aware there was a bit of a mix up wheninvitations were mailed out to the Membership, soplease bear with us while we call each member toensure that the mix up is resolved. If you wish to pick up your ticket, please come to theNBIFC with a $20 deposit. Be sure that your membershipis up to date! Tickets are available for pick up and/or purchase now!
REGISTRATION IS FULL
YOU CAN STILL REGISTER BUT WILL BE ON THE WAITLIST
Celebrating 50 years of FriendshipCelebrating 50 years of Friendshipjune 8 & 9 2024june 8 & 9 2024 North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre PresentsScan & Sign up to saveScan & Sign up to savethe datethe dateand get updates!and get updates! KindaaswinKindaaswinTHE 16THTHE 16THANNUALANNUALMaamwiMaamwipow-wowpow-wowSunrise ceremony 5:30am Saturday & SundaySunrise ceremony 5:30am Saturday & SundaySunrise ceremony 5:30am Saturday & SundayCommunity Feast - Saturday 5pmCommunity Feast - Saturday 5pmCommunity Feast - Saturday 5pmAll Registered Dancers PaidAll Registered Dancers PaidAll Registered Dancers PaidBring your feast bundle, chair, and water bottleBring your feast bundle, chair, and water bottleBring your feast bundle, chair, and water bottleIndigenous Craft VendorsIndigenous Craft VendorsIndigenous Craft Vendors Food VendorsFood VendorsFood Vendors Info BoothsInfo BoothsInfo Booths Water TrailerWater TrailerWater Trailer Free Entry - No Camping available & No dogs please.Free Entry - No Camping available & No dogs please.Free Entry - No Camping available & No dogs please. For more information, inquire@nbifc.org (705) 472-2811980 Cassells Street, North Bay, ON P1B 4A8For more information, inquire@nbifc.org (705) 472-2811980 Cassells Street, North Bay, ON P1B 4A8This is a drug & alcohol free eventThis is a drug & alcohol free event