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NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERTRUTH &RECONCILIACTION O C T O B E R 2 0 2 4N 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 N E T R E N 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 N E T R E

03, 04Reconciliation is Reciprocity05, 06 Miskwaadesi Grand Opening07 Volunteer Appreciation Lunch 08 NBIFC at Curve Lake09 Family Breakfast10 Fall Membership Dinner11New Apatisiwin Logo 12Donation from Khalsa Aid international 13New Mural- Frank Polson 14Drumming15Men’s Group16 Bannock Monday17We’re Hiring!18Staff Directory03, 04Reconciliation is Reciprocity05, 06 Miskwaadesi Grand Opening07 Volunteer Appreciation Lunch 08 NBIFC at Curve Lake09 Family Breakfast10 Fall Membership Dinner11New Apatisiwin Logo 12Donation from Khalsa Aid international 13New Mural- Frank Polson 14Drumming15Men’s Group16 Bannock Monday17We’re Hiring!18Staff Directoryt a b l e o f c o n t e n t s

R e c o n c i l i a t i o n i sa b o u t r e c i p r o c i t yR e c o n c i l i a t i o n i sa b o u t r e c i p r o c i t yevery childmatters, EVERYDAY While we are honoured toplan events for TRC Day,and to spend time with ourcommunity, we also knowthat truth and reconciliationis a year round process. Ourprograms support culturalresurgence and reclamation,healing, healthier living andwe do our best to supportoutside organizations intheir learning. If you are looking forinformation or resources fortraining, activities withstudents, or ideas on whatyou can do, don’t be afraidto get in touch. We can all move forwardtogether, in a good way. Truth and Reconciliation.There’s been a lot of talk about that subject since a nationalcommission submitted its report nine years ago thatincluded 94 “calls to action” – recommendations about howCanada might improve its relationship with Indigenouspeoples. Most of the focus of that eight-year-long inquiry was on the inter-generational harm caused by a network of residentialschools operated for the federal government by variouschurch denominations that, for over a century, committed avariety of abuses against the 150,000 Indigenous childrenforced to attend them.There are still over 80,000 survivors across Canada of thoseinstitutions, many of them still bearing scars to their soulscaused by their experience. Some of the urban Indigenousfamily members participating in Friendship Centreprograms are dealing with those legacies, that can includepoverty, addiction, and homelessness. Scientists have even linked residential school trauma togenetic damage that has made Indigenous peoples moreprone to illnesses like diabetes.While it is important for Canadians to learn the truth of theircountry’s past, a truth that is now annually observed on Sept.30 and proclaimed a National Day for Truth andReconciliation, it’s important for people to understand thateven a government-sponsored genocide that is so far knownto have taken the lives of over 6,000 children has notstopped Indigenous peoples from achieving great things.My grandfather Moses Muskrat Marsden and other FirstNations chiefs were forbidden by the Indian Act from hiringlawyers to pursue land claims. Today there is an IndigenousBar Association with over 300 members.03

When I attended Trent University, I was told I was one of some 80 FirstNation students enrolled in post-secondary education in all of Canada.Last year Nipissing University graduated more than that number.The Indian Act presented barriers to would-be First Nationentrepreneurs, who could not use their homes for the collateral requiredfor business loans because the land beneath their houses is held in trustby the federal government. Today, there are over 50,000 Indigenousbusinesses in Canada.No one has fought more to defend Canada than warriors like Asssiginak,Francis Pegahmagabow, or Tommy Prince, and countless others.Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price was one of the best goalkeepers inhockey history. Tom Longboat won the Boston Marathon. NorvalMorrisseau’s art is mentioned in the same breath as Pablo Picasso’s. There are Indigenous scientists, heart surgeons, and astronauts. A fewyears ago, Dokis First Nation had a doctor, a lawyer, and a Chief in onefamily – all women, incidentally. This is the truth part of Truth and Reconciliation that Canadians need tolearn.When given semaa last month to speak at the launch of theMiskwaadesi learning site along Chippewa Creek, I noted for thosegathered to celebrate the event that North Bay has 400 homelesspeople, and almost half of them are Indigenous. “When your ancestors came here from Europe, they were ALLhomeless,” I reminded them. “And, so long as they came in peace,Indigenous peoples saved them from starvation and freely shared theirsurvival knowledge with the desperate newcomers.”That’s another truth that Canadians need to know to ensure thatreconciliation with Indigenous peoples involves reciprocity – that thesame generosity shown to their ancestors is shown to our people.Maurice SwitzerNBIFC Board PresidentR e c o n c i l i a t i o n i s a b o u t r e c i p r o c i t y - C o n t ’ dR e c o n c i l i a t i o n i s a b o u t r e c i p r o c i t y - C o n t ’ d04

Grandfather Sun Shone on Miskwaadesi for Grand OpeningGrandfather Sun Shone on Miskwaadesi for Grand OpeningA magazine is a periodicalpublication, which caneither be printed orpublished electronically. Itis issued regularly, usuallyevery week or everymonth, and it contains avariety of content. The weather was sunny on September 19th for the grand opening of the MiskwaadesiAmphitheatre. The event began with a smudge and a welcoming song from Gerry McComb andNodin Sutherland.After the opening prayer, Maurice spoke about the importance of Miskwaadesi as a space forlearning, reconciliation, and cultural connection."Miskwaadesi is a place of healing, where you can sit quietly, take in the sights and sounds, andfeel the energy woven into its creation," said Kathy Fortin, NBIFC Executive Director. Shethanked everyone involved, including Lorraine Liberty, who led a groundbreaking ceremonyalongside NBMCA & NBIFC Staff.Robin Allen, Acting CAO of the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority, expressedadmiration for the collaboration behind the project. Robin and Kathy accepted a certificate fromAdam Contant on behalf of Anthony Rota’s office. Paula Loranger, Community RelationsCoordinator, reflected on her 12-year journey with the project and thanked funders, donors, andcontractors.Grandmother Evelyn McLeod and Sandra Thorkelson shared teachings about the space in bothNishnaabemowin (Evelyn) and English (Sandra), and the attendees were able to hear how thelanguage written out in the booklets (and on the website) is meant to sound. As the heatintensified, the celebration moved to the NBIFC Gym for a lunch. Miigwetch to all whoparticipated and attended. 05

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we couldn’t do it without youNBIFC would not be able to be as succsessful as it is without thehard work of our lovely volunteers that show up to support staff atthe Friendship Centre. Our Board of Directors is all volunteer, and wehave small armies of helpers for things like the pow wow or whenwe need help with special projects, like with the planting atMiskwaadesi. We wanted to show our apprecation for all ourdedicated helpers who keep the Centre thriving! The staff made adelicious lunch of Indigenous tacos, along with cake. We even hadtime to play a little lunchtime bingo, and have draws for prizes. Itwas a great event, with a lot of laughter and joy. 07

September 21, Curve Lake First NationSeptember 21, Curve Lake First NationCUrve lake factsCUrve lake factsThe Youth Life Promotion Program, Healaing and Wellness, Kizhaay and Children’s Wellnessgot together and took a group to the Curve Lake Pow Wow. It was a beautiful setting, right bythe water. A few of the youth wore their regalia and danced. When a dancer is in the circle,they are dancing for the healing of all our people. More and more youth are picking up thisbeautiful tradition. It was a wonderful learning opportunity for everyone, and we hear the foodwas top notch!Curve Lake First Nation people are the Michi Saagig or Mississaugas of the great Anishinaabe (uhnishi-nahbe) nation.very first Anishinaabe Kwe O’gimaa (Native Woman Chief) in Canada – Elsie Knott (1954)World renowned artisans Norman Knott, Alice Williams and David JohnsonThe famous Whetung’s Art Gallery (established in 1960s)The surrounding area was abundant in wild rice, various fish, birds, animals and plants for harvesting; therewas everything our people needed to survive. The Mud Lake settlement officially became a reserve in 1889,with approximately 200 members living in Mud Lake Reserve #35 in the late 1800s. It has currently grown toover 2000 with over 900 living on reserve and the remaining majority of members living off reserve. Thecommunity officially changed its name to Curve Lake First Nation #35 in 1964.08

Welcome to fall, the changing season always brings back many of the exciting programsoffered at the Centre. Between the upcoming fall feast and the Halloween bash for kids,NBIFC is the place to be in October! Also, don’t miss our next family breakfast on SundayOctober 6th. A collaboration of programs invite you and your family to join us for a freebreakfast between 830am and 1030am. Please be sure to RSVP fasd@nbifc.org to confirmyour families attendance. Following your meal, pre-registered participants will be offered abag of breakfast staples to take home for your family to enjoy.September was FASD awareness month which lent itself perfectly for continuedprofessional development and networking with other service providers within our region.This year the Anishinabek Nation and Indigenous Hub teamed up with NBIFC, One KidsPlace and many providers for the annual FASD walk/run. Despite the weather over 60people braved the elements to complete the race and participate in the many activities toincrease awareness and raise donations for our local food bank.This month, every Tuesday I will join the Children’s Program from 10am-12pm for Tea andChat, we invite parents and caregivers seeking social connections to come enjoy a snackand share in some friendly conversation. Wednesdays evening we will also be offering asimilar social circle for youth, keep an eye out for more information as we confirm time andspace. Finally, as always families and individuals are welcome to connect with the FASDprogram directly for specific supports and services by contacting me by email;fasd@nbifc.org or phone at 705-472-2811 ext: 205.OCTOBER 5th,OCTOBER 5th,

8:30am to 10:30am, RSVP8:30am to 10:30am, RSVP09

THIS EVENT IS FOR NBIFC MEMBERSHIP ONLY. PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS VALID!RECEPTION@NBIFC.ORG (705)472-2811 OCTOBER 17, 2024OCTOBER 17, 2024Doors open at 4:30 pmDinner Served at5:00 pmNBIFC GymnasiumDoors open at 4:30 pmDinner Served at5:00 pmNBIFC Gymnasium10

WINNING LOGOapatisiwinapatisiwin 2nd & 3rd place2nd & 3rd placeWe are proud to annoucethe winner of theApatisiwin logo contest! our 1st place winner isJennilee Peplinskie.“Bear--The mukwarepresents strength, theflower (budding on theright, full flower on the left)represents the journey andgrowth, and the butterflywing on the bear’s facerepresentstransformation.”Thank you to everyonewho perticipated in thelogo contest!The Apatisiwin Employment & Training is a program tohelp those who are seeking employment support likeworking on a resume or job searching, training assistanceand educational support here in north bay. the logo for thisprogram was designed by local youth here in north bay! 2nd went to Malia Mizzie and 3rd place went to MoriahQuesnel - we saw many amazing logos so chi-miigwetchto all that participated! Jennilee Peplinskie11

d o n a t i o n f r o m K h a l s aA i d I n t e r n a t i o n a l d o n a t i o n f r o m K h a l s aA i d I n t e r n a t i o n a l donation to the apatisiwin programdonation to the apatisiwin program for the school seasonfor the school season Khalsa AidInternational Khalsa AidInternational Khalsa international recently donated a load of schoolsupplies for our Apatisiwin program here in North Bayto help those who need supplies in order to achievetheir educational goals. a huge thank you to theirprogram for supporting our clients. Chi miigwetch. Khalsa Aid International is aUK-based humanitarianrelief charity (RegisteredCharity Number: 1163294)providing support around theworld to victims of naturaland man-made disasterssuch as floods, earthquakes,famine and war.Our team is often one of thefirst on the scene to helpdistribute food, water,clothing, medical andsanitation supplies. We fundand build semi-permanentshelters, if needed –anything that’s required inthose early days to savelives, reduce people’simmediate suffering andhelp maintain their dignity.The charity was founded byRavinder (Ravi) Singh, whowas struck by the plight ofthe refugees in Kosovo in1999.12

Frank Polson Muralat NBIFCFrank Polson Muralat NBIFCFran k Polso n was born in V ille- Marie, Temis camin gue, in 19 52 and is a membe r of theAlgo nquin L ong P oint First Nati ons com munit y (Wi nnewa y, Te miscami ngue) . For manyyear s, he h as wo rked on de velop ing his styl e in the m edium of acr ylics . Fra nk is a se lf -taug ht arti st wh o pro duces work s of un ique beaut y in the W oodland styl e, wh ich i srele vant to toda y and in a ccord ance wi th hi s her itage . We have a numbe r of his p iecesthro ughout the b uildi ng, a nd hi s story of u sing art t o hea l is on e tha t mea ns a lot h er eat t he NBIF C. We a re so f ortun ate t o hav e had Frank here last month as h e insta lled a bra nd ne wmura l in th e gym nasiu m. Fr ank s hared h ow hi s art has helpe d with his h ealin g, an dshar es his exper ience s wit h any one who is h appy to pi ck up a brus h and help out. TheYout h Counc il, s taff and e ven o ur pres ident Maur ice S witze r put a few dabs on th e wal l. Chi Miigwet ch to all the h elper s, and most of al l Fra nk fo r such a bea utifu l wor k of ar t inthe gym. 13

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Waaban WorkerThe Waaban Worker will organize anddeliver culturally orientated servicesbased on the needs of urban Indigenousyouth at risk ages 12-17 years.WE’RE HIRINGWE’RE HIRINGIndigenous HealthyBabies/ Healthy ChildrenWorkerThe Indigenous Healthy BabiesHealthy Children Worker (IHBHCW)is to be a helper, an auntie or anuncle to families of the urbanIndigenous population withinNipissing District. They will promotehealthy growth and development ofIndigenous children; build onparenting skills, and link families withcommunity supports and resources.The IHBHCW will work with familiesin their home environment from theprenatal period to age 6 years.To learn more aboutany of the positionscurrently available atthe NBIFC, go to ourwebsite, on the topright corner, click onthe EmploymentOpportunities Button. www.nbifc.orgIndigenous Child andYouth Mental Healthand AddictionsWorkerThe Indigenous Child & Youth MentalHealth and Addictions Worker will beresponsible for providing assessment,treatment, referral, public education,and promotion services to the clients inthe urban area of North Bay. 17