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NORTH BAY INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIP CENTRENORTH BAY INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIP CENTRENovember 2023
Message from the Executive DirectorTraditional Wellness DayWomen’s DaySeven Stones Registration and New StaffFeast for the DeadJob FairResidential School Warriors EventStaff and Clients Drum MakingStaff Day on the LandFamily Craft Nights Starting Shelley BoucherRound DanceOFIFC Recognizes StaffDrumming Schedule for NovemberAboriginal Health Outreach Schedule NovemberEmployment OpportunitiesWinter Market PosterPhoto ContestStaff Directory3TABLE OF CONTENTS NOVEMBER’S COVER PHOTO45 & 67981011121314 & 151516172019182122Congratulations to Natalie Wiseman, our Alternative Indigenous Education Coordinator,for winning this month‘s photo contest! This picture is from her son‘s farm in Astorville.
Aniin Boozhoo, Wachay,The leaves are falling, the weather is changing, and the days are getting shorter. We start tobatten down for the colder months, and for us, we are approaching the storytelling time. While the animals sleep, we can hear stories about their lessons and how they came to bethe way they are. Here at the NBIFC, it seems we are always up to something; from drum making, regaliamaking, hosting workshops and special events, or having cooking classes, there is never adull moment. It truly never slows down. Two courtworkers and I attended a Justice Gathering on Bear Island back in October. Therewas a lot of networking and new relationships were made. Seeing how Crown Attorneys, thepolice, and other court workers work together was inspiring. Our Fall Dinner had many people registered, however, the turnout was less than weexpected. Please let us know if you have registered for an event and cannot make it. Ithelps us manage resources more effectively. The dinner was delicious, and it was greatseeing those who came. One of the greatest rewards of my position is hearing the hustle and bustle, the laughter,and the conversations with the community members during our gatherings and events. TRC Day was well attended by our community, and I can’t thank staff enough for all theirefforts at all our great events!We are coming upon a full circle around the sun for Suswin Village; it seems like justyesterday we welcomed our first resident; “the nest” is slowly filling up, and as we movealong, we learn. We learn what is working and what is not, and adjust things as we go, butwe have a beautiful building with a welcoming atmosphere already making a difference tothose living there. Have a safe and beautiful fall. Miigwetch,Executive Director'sMessageKathy FortinNBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 3
Well-BeingWell-BeingTraditionalTraditionalEVENTEVENTNBIFCNBIFCThe traditional well-being event wasextremely well attended in October,and so much information andknowledge was shared. George Hughiewas kind enough to give us a really niceopening to get things going in a goodway. Judi Thorkelson shared her healthjourney and the successes andchallenges that she has encountered. Lunch as always was delicious. Sandra Thorkelson shared herknowledge of plants and stories aboutthe medicines that have found theirway to being part of her life. Janie Kataquapit and her husbandMichael Smith shared their experiencesduring the height of the pandemic andthe medicines that helped supportfamily, friends and acquaintancesthrough that difficult time. They alsoshared delicious samples of differentkinds of tea for everyone to try.For all, it was a great day of learning,sharing and hopefully better health foreveryone going forward. NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 4
“Just Do it the Anishinaabe Kwe Way”“Just Do it the Anishinaabe Kwe Way”Anishinaabe Kwewag Giizhigad Anishinaabe Kwewag Giizhigad Anishinaabe Womens DayAnishinaabe Womens DayOur MC Trina Rickard did agreat job!Our beloved GrandmotherLorraine shared somewonderful teachings fromher own experiences, andNikki Jo is a wonderfulexample of resilience andwomens strength. NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 5
Anishinaabe Kwewag Giizhigad Anishinaabe Kwewag Giizhigad Anishinaabe Womens DayAnishinaabe Womens DayThe gathering was beautiful,empowering and healing in so manyways. Chi-miigwetch to everyone whocame, and shared. Everyoneparticipated in self care activities likemedicine bag making, nail and handcare, haircuts/styles and make-uptips. Community partners invested inwomens health were there toeducate and support our ladies andshare information about the servicesthey offer. NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 6
W E L C O M E N E W S T A F FP A G E C H A R T R A N DThe Seven Stones Learning Centre is always accepting new students for enrollment.Come and learn how you or your loved one can continue on the path to education. SevenStones offers one-on-one support, easy-to-work with modules, and a straightforwardlesson format. As much as possible, our Indigenous ways are incorporated into thelessons so that students increase cultural knowledge and ways of being, while earning anOntario Secondary School Diploma. Find our more today! Natalie WisemanIndigenous Alternative Secondary School Education Coordinator iassec@nbifc.org(705)707-1031Aanii! My name is PageChartrand and I’m the newIASSE Assistant at SevenStones. I’m an Anishinaabekwefrom Sudbury, ON. I’m finishingup a Double Honours Major inIndigenous Studies and SocialJustice & Gender Equity atNipissing University. I lovebeading, drawing, painting,sewing and time in the bush!NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 7
NBIFC GYMNASIUMREGISTER BY OCTOBER 30INQUIRE@NBIFC.ORGNORTH BAY INDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIP CENTRENORTH BAY INDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIP CENTREFEASTFOR THEDEADTEACHING & CEREMONYPLEASE BRING A SMALL DISH THAT'SA FAVOURITE OF THE ANCESTORSYOU’RE HONOURINGNOVEMBER 6 9 AM - 3PMWITH ANISHINAABE ELDERRICHARD ASSINEWAILUNCH WILL BE PROVIDEDNBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 8
Mark your Calendars! NORTHBAYINDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIPCENTRENORTHBAYINDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIPCENTREINFORMATION Program InformationMembership ApplicationsSpecial Event NoticesApply for Employment Opportunitiesat NBIFCMeet the StaffEmployment Training and Education Suswin Village Transitional HousingIntake InformationSeven Stones Learning Centre - OSSDInformationDateTimeLocationNovember 18, 202311 am - 2 pm NBIFC Gymnasium980 Cassells Street, North Bay, ON P1B 4A8JOB FAIR&NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 9
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Working on BundlesStaff and some programparticipants spent the daymaking deerhide drums. The drum is an importantpart of ones’ bundle forceremony. NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 11
NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 12Staff Day on the LandStaff spent a great day out on the land at Riding Stable Road. Others spent the day working onsewing and crafts in the rec room. Lunch on the land was a delicious affair, with DIY sandwiches, leftover turkey and of course, wildrice salad, which is always a huge hit. The whole day was intended for self-care and ensuring that staff take the time to nurture theirspirits for the challenging work that they often take on. A sweat was held as an opportunity tolighten the emotional load that social work can sometimes have. Otherwise just relaxing,connecting with each other in a serene quiet space was just what we needed.
CRAFT NIGHTSFamily FriendlyGet ready for the Gift Giving Season! 5 weeksTuesdays November 14 & 21, & 28December 5 & 124 pm to 6pmAll Ages, All Genders5 weeksTuesdays November 14 & 21, & 28December 5 & 124 pm to 6pmAll Ages, All GendersEach week will be an age appropriate gift creatingsession to make something beautiful to give away toa loved one. NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 13
Aniin Boozhoo, I'm Shelley Boucher, and I've had theprivilege of serving as an Indigenous Criminal CourtWorker for nearly six rewarding years. In fact, just thisweek, I received my five-year award; time sure has flown! I’ve worked in the Criminal Justice System sincegraduating from university several years ago in variousroles. This experience has given me a strong workingknowledge of the system and a profound sense ofpurpose, supporting our people to ensure that theyreceive fair treatment and receive the services they areentitled to. Unfortunately, our justice system isstruggling with shortages of space, manpower andprogramming. Hence, it is under a great deal of strain, soensuring people don’t get lost in the system remains aserious challenge. My work extends beyond the courtroom. I'm passionateabout forging and maintaining positive connections withour community partners. These relationships are pivotalin providing much-needed support to individuals withinthe system. Recently a small group of us went to BearIsland to connect and network with police and court stafffrom Kirkland Lake, it was an incredible experience. I alsowent to an OFIFC conference for court workers fortraining and sharing about our communities and thechallenges we are all facing.I'm an ardent believer in continuous learning.Collaborating with colleagues, attending trainingsessions, and expanding my knowledge base is not just ajob requirement – it's a personal commitment to betterserve those I work with.Shelley Boucher: Navigating theJustice System with HeartNBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 14
Beyond my professional life, I'm the proud mother of three wonderful boys and the devotedcaretaker of three beloved fur babies. After a busy day of talking with people, a bit of timeoutside with my critters is what I need to unwind; they always agree with me too. I love beingoutdoors and being very active with hiking, paddling, and spending time with my family andfriends are just a few of my favourite things. I’ve really been working at nurturing my creative side. Sewing, quilting, and beading are amongmy hobbies, all of which are new to me. My Mom was an incredible seamstress, so I like to thinkshe's smiling (and maybe laughing) at my projects. But it’s all a lot of fun and very relaxing. Irecently had the privilege of experiencing the mesmerizing art of Hoop Dancing during atraining session.Helping people has always been my lifelong passion. Whether it's within the Criminal JusticeSystem or contributing to my community, making a positive difference is at the core of who Iam. I love working at our community events here at the Centre, it’s a wonderful way to socializewith all of you, and I enjoy it a great deal. Round dances are done for either memorial for aloved one who has passed onto the spirit world,this will be a year after they have passed. Otherround dances can be done for honouring youth,Elders, or any positive celebration. Sometimeswe see round dances that are changing with thetimes, where something new may be added, butmost importantly round dances are grounded inceremony where we begin with a pipe ceremonydone by Elders or knowledge keepers andinclude a feast. We also have our lead singerschosen and they take turns leading in songs, wehave beginning songs and ending songs. At theend we have a giveaway of gifts to all whoattended the round dance and do a giveawaysong. Everyone joins together to dance andremember loved ones. We are all there tosupport and give our help to the ones in thespirit world and to the ones in this world.Shelley - cont’dRound Dance Season ApproachesIris Sutherland - Cultural Resources CoordinatorPictured above Iris (right), Sandra(middle) and Amanda (left), at one ofthe last pow-wows of the summerseason in Kirkland Lake for TRC Day. Aspow-wow season winds down, rounddance season is getting ready to start. NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 15
OFIFC Recognizes NBIFC StaffShelley Boucher, Jennifer Seguin and SteveGuilbeault all received awards for their timeat the NBIFC. We would like to thank themfor their years of service and let them knowhow much we appreciate all they do for ourcommunity. Steve, 5 year awardJenn, 15 year awardShelley, 5 year awardNBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 16
YOUTH GROUPDRUMMING/POW WOWPRACTICE12-24 years oldNovember 14 & 28 6pm to 8pmFor more information:Andrew - ahws@nbifc.org ext. 219 Mike - ylp@nbifc.org ext. 208(705)472-2811Bring your regalia to practice dancingand drumming!DRUMMING & POW-WOW PRACTICEsDRUMMING & POW-WOW PRACTICEsMEN’S GROUP DRUMMING/POWWOW PRACTICENovember 7 & 216pm to 8pmBring your regalia to practice dancingand drumming!NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 17
Men’s OutingNov. 1/23NBIFC Land 10am-2pm Men’s DrummingNov. 7 & 216:00 –8:00 pm Cree talking circleNov. 17/234:00 – 5:30 pm OPEN MIC NIGHTNov. 25/231:00-4:00 PM Flu/Covid Vaccine& DiabetesPresentationNov.28, 2023Drinking Water Class Action Application Formsare available nowWe can provide Bus Passes & Taxi services for Doctor Appointments Only NORTHBAYINDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIPCENTREHealth Outreach ProgramHealth Outreach ProgramCONTACT: GEORGE HUGHIE(705) 472-2811 EXT. 209AHOW@NBIFC.ORGNBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 18
NORTHBAYINDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIPCENTRENORTHBAYINDIGENOUSFRIENDSHIPCENTREAvailable PositionsWaabanMental Health and Wellness WorkerPrenatal/Family Support AssistantSuswin Village Transitional House: NightClient Care - Casual Relief: ongoingIndigenous Healthy Babies, HealthyChildren Program WorkerEvents Planner Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin - I am a Kind ManWorkerA Place to Gather WorkerSuswin Village Transitional House: Case workerAdministrative Assistant/ ReceptionistWaabanMental Health and Wellness WorkerPrenatal/Family Support AssistantSuswin Village Transitional House: NightClient Care - Casual Relief: ongoingIndigenous Healthy Babies, HealthyChildren Program WorkerEvents Planner Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin - I am a Kind ManWorkerA Place to Gather WorkerSuswin Village Transitional House: Case workerAdministrative Assistant/ ReceptionistWE ARE HIRING!WE ARE HIRING!Email: hrc@nbifc.orgPlease 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 NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 19
N O R T H B A Y I N D I G E N O U SF R I E N D S H I P C E N T R EDECEMBER 2 & 3 2023DECEMBER 2 & 3 2023VENDOR REGISTRATION CLOSES November 17, 2023, 4pm. CALL : (705) 472-2811 EXT 242EMAIL : INQUIRE@NBIFC.ORGSATURDAY 9 TO 4 SUNDAY 10 TO 3DOORS OPEN980 CASSELLS ST., NORTH BAY, P1B 4A8Gift Items, Crafts, Food & MusicNBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 20
NBIFCPhotoContestSubmit your photo to be on thecover of our next Newsletter.Thousands of people across TurtleIsland and beyond see ourNewsletter each 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 aphoto, you agree to the use and publication of the image where theNBIFC sees fit, and you have obtained permission from the subjects tobe photographed and submitted to the contest. NBIFC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 | Page 21
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