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N E W S L E T T E RN 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 ES E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4w w w . n b i f c . o r gᐧᐁ ᐧᐁ ᐧᐃ ᐱ ᓯ ᒼ Wehwewi-piisim (Blue Snow GooseMoon) Waagaabagaa Giizis(Autumn Moon)

Table of ContentsIf your organization wishes to feature Indigenous-related events or activities in ournewsletter, we would be delighted to share them. Kindly send us an email atinquire@nbifc.orgED MessageMiskwaadesi Grand OpeningYouth Language and Culture CampYouth Logo Design ContestBeading Circle Grateful for the Apatisiwin ProgramTRC Day PosterLLC Food BINGODrumming with Nodin Men’s Camping Trip at NBIFC LandBannock Monday PosterLLC Safety Pin Headdress CraftingRecovery for Suswin Resident Involves Creativity and GiftsWellness WednesdayFancy Tea Party with Elders and YouthWeekly Men’s GroupTie Dye Shirt Making with YouthGirls Tennis LessonsWeekly Support Talking CircleKeepers of the CircleStaff Directory34567891011121314151718192021222324

Aniin Boozhoo, Wachey!What a truly beautiful summer it has been! OurCentre has been alive with energy andexcitement, with children engaging in a rangeof enriching activities—from attending pow-wows and camping trips to exploring Santa’sVillage, the Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, andenjoying sunny days at the beach here inNorth Bay.We are fortunate to have such a dedicated andsupportive team. The increase in participationin our holistic healing programs, includinganger management (Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin)and grief workshops, is a testament to thepositive impact of the efforts of staff and thedesire for well-being within our community.Here’s to celebrating a summer full of growth,learning, and community spirit! In August, theMiskwaadesi Amphitheatre was one of thestops for the National Communities in Bloomjudges. There were only 20 minutes for themto visit, but they absolutely loved the spaceand everything it represents for Indigenouspresence in the city of North Bay! The big signshould be going in soon; if you get a chance towalk along the Eco-path, be sure to check itout. We hope you can join us for the GrandOpening in September! I wish everyone a fantastic rest of the summerand am eagerly looking forward to gathering inthe fall at the exciting events that are comingup. Your participation will make these eventseven more special. Sincerely and Miigwetch,Kathy Fortin3NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024

Location: Miskwaadesi Amphitheatre -North Bay, ON P1B 1M8Luncheon: NBIFC Gymnasium -980 Cassells St, North Bay, ONLocation: Miskwaadesi Amphitheatre -North Bay, ON P1B 1M8Luncheon: NBIFC Gymnasium -980 Cassells St, North Bay, ONJoin us in celebrating the Grand Openingof Miskwaadesi Amphitheater!This space is dedicated to honoringIndigenous culture, encouragingeducation, supporting reconciliationefforts, and rejuvenating our urban areas.Join us in celebrating the Grand Openingof Miskwaadesi Amphitheater!This space is dedicated to honoringIndigenous culture, encouragingeducation, supporting reconciliationefforts, and rejuvenating our urban areas.More Information: inquire@nbifc.orgMore Information: inquire@nbifc.orgLUNCH TO FOLLOW AT THE NBIFC. LUNCH TO FOLLOW AT THE NBIFC. SEPTEMBER 19TH10 AM,SEPTEMBER 19TH10 AM,RSVP at events@nbifc.org.RSVP at events@nbifc.org.

Youth Language and Culture Camp5NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024Our Indigenous youth aged 16-22 years old had a chance to participate for 2 days andan overnight on July 30th and 31st at our Indigenous Youth Language Camp on theLand. The camp was created from the Youth Opportunity Funding/IndigenousEducation Promotion to give the youth an opportunity to connect with the land, shareknowledge, create Indigenous arts and crafts, play cultural games, eat traditionalfoods, receive teachings, and experience hands on land-based learning. The youthhad an amazing time connecting with each other and building friendships.

LOGOLOGOYOUTHYOUTHDESIGN CONTESTDESIGN CONTESTGrandprizes for:OPEN TOYOUTH UPTO AGE 29OPEN TOYOUTH UPTO AGE 29NBIFC APATISIWIN PRESENTSFor additional details and registration, get in touch with Steve Guilbeault at705-472-2811 ext. 202 or via email at apatisiwin@nbifc.org.You can also contact Moriah Quesnel, the Apatisiwin Assistant, at 705-358-0911.THE NBIFC APATISIWIN PROGRAM IS THRILLED TO PRESENTOUR APATISIWIN LOGO ART CONTEST, WHERE BUDDINGYOUTH ARTISTS, LIKE YOU, CAN LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUNWILD BY CREATING A LOGO THAT REPRESENTS THE APATISIWINEMPLOYMENT & TRAINING PROGRAM.CONTEST DETAILS:1st, 2nd, &3rd Place1st, 2nd, &3rd PlaceNOW!NOW!SUBMISSIONS OPEN SUBMISSIONS CLOSESEPTEMBER 20, 2024SEPTEMBER 20, 2024TOP WINNERS SELECTEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2024SEPTEMBER 30, 2024Prizesinclude:DESIGN CAN BE IN ANY MEDIATRADITIONAL COLORSMUST ALIGN WITH PROGRAMIDENTITYUNIQUE & ORIGINALREGISTRATION IS MANDATORYApple iPad 10.2"64GB with Wi-FiApple iPad 10.2"64GB with Wi-Fi

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 5:00 - 8:00 pmSeptember 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th*Please Register! A fewspots are available!*Workshop limited to 10participants at a timeAll skill levels welcome!Start a new beading project or bring your own.Supplies can be provided.CommunityBeadingBeadingCircle

Hello! My name is Brett Hummel and I am a 3rd yearstudent in the Doctorate of Pharmacy program (PharmD)at the University of Waterloo. I proudly affiliate with theAlgonquins of Ontario from the Mattawa/North Bayregion. After graduating school, I intend to return to NorthBay to serve my community as a pharmacist.Someday, I would love to open my own independentpharmacy in the area. In such a difficult program, havingtime to balance studies and a job is extremely difficult dueto the intense studying my program requires me tocompleteI am extremely grateful for Steve Guilbeault and theApatisiwin program and for their ongoing support throughmy first 3 years of university. I will be forever grateful forthe Apatisiwin program and how they are helping mereach my dream of becoming a pharmacist.Brett HummelPharmD Candidate8NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024Grateful for the Apatisiwin Programand Steve GuilbeaultRole and Responsibilities:As an Apatisiwin Employment Counselor, Steve Guilbeault focuses on identifying clients'needs to help them secure employment or training opportunities. He helps define careergoals and encourages individuals to reach their full potential. Steve provides essentialresource materials, conducts workshops, and teaches effective job search techniques.Additionally, he promotes suitable employment opportunities to potential employers anddevelops connections with educational institutions, businesses, and the community.Meet Steve Guilbeault – Apatisiwin Employment CounselorContact Information:Email: apatisiwin@nbifc.orgPhone: 705-472-2811 ext 202

Anishinabek Nation -Union of Ontario IndiansNorth Bay IndigenousFriendship Centre North Bay Indigenous HubOntario Federation ofIndigenous Friendship CentresEVERYONEWELCOME THIS EVENT HOSTED BY:THIS EVENT HOSTED BY:NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH &RECONCILIATIONNATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH &RECONCILIATIONMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH10AMNORTH BAY WATERFRONTBAND STAND (RAIN OR SHINE)Opening CeremonyAwareness Walk along the waterfront followed by afternoon activities at theNorth Bay Indigenous HubBus transportation willbe available from thewaterfront to the Hub.

30I44N12B49GThank you to the staff and our newsummer student for helping Lynn runher first-ever solo BINGO with somany attendees. By all accounts itwas a great event! Lunch was amazing, as always, andeveryone recieved a prize of groceriesto take home. LLC Food10NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024Life Long Care program hosted a food bingo for our elders. Everyone enjoyed playing, winningfood, snacks, and drinks.

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

Nodin, our Healing and Wellness Worker, along with Kris,our Kizhaay Anishnaabe Niin Worker, arranged anovernight camping trip for a group of men from SuswinVillage to the NBIFC Land. During their stay, the groupgathered medicinal plants such as labrador tea, went on afishing trip, and concluded the day by enjoying a fish fry.They engaged in an evening sharing circle and participatedin cleaning and maintaining the NBIFC land. Theexperience was marked by laughter, and a welcome breakfor everyone from the bustle of town.Suswin Village residents now know the secrets to makingthe best Labrador Tea over the fire. 12NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024Men's Camping Trip atNBIFC Land

North Bay IndigenousFriendship CentreNorth Bay IndigenousFriendship CentreJust Just Another Another Bannock Bannock Monday !Monday !bannocktea coffeebannocktea coffeeSeptember 23rdfrom 1-3 pmSeptember 23rdfrom 1-3 pmIndigenous Mental Health and Wellness ProgramIndigenous Mental Health and Wellness ProgramOPEN TO EVERYONEOPEN TO EVERYONE

Crafting Safety Pin Headdresses with Mindy14NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024On August 6th, LLC clients escaped the heat wave outside bycoming to the NBIFC to create headdresses using safety pins, ponybeads, and colourful feathers. A special thank you to Mindy forsharing her expertise with us.Participants took home their unique creations, each headdress atestament to their newfound skills and creativity. The vibrant colorsand diverse designs reflected the individuality of each person,making the afternoon not only a crafting session but a celebration ofpersonal expression.

Recently, Suswin Village resident Mike, affectionately known as "Big Mike," presented NodinSutherland, the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Worker, with a beautifully handcraftedwalking stick. The story of this walking stick is rooted in a special moment from two years agowhen Nodin discovered a piece of driftwood while walking along the beach of Lake Nipissing.Mike offered to transform it into something extraordinary.“I was amazed at the beautiful workmanship that Mike did on the walking stick for me,” Nodinshared. The walking stick is adorned with seven copper rings symbolizing the SevenGrandfather Teachings, which are wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, andtruth. Additional features include representations of the four directions, a unique leatherpattern and stitch, and a turtle carved from a bone button at the head of the stick. Hand-painted floral designs, a turtle, and a thunderbird add even more depth to its significance.Mike, a member of Nipissing First Nation who grew up in Garden Village, has overcomesignificant challenges, including a battle with alcoholism. He attributes his current health andsuccess to the support he received from those he met on his healing journey. Reflecting onhis journey, Mike shared, “I’m grateful to Suswin Village, the Benbowopka Treatment Centre,and my counsellor Lisa Lourz at Garden Village for everything they have done for me. Byconnecting with my traditions and culture, I feel this has done more for my healing thananything I could have asked for. Now, I’m ready to help others and give back to our people.” Recently, Suswin Village resident Mike, affectionately known as "Big Mike," presented NodinSutherland, the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Worker, with a beautifully handcraftedwalking stick. The story of this walking stick is rooted in a special moment from two years agowhen Nodin discovered a piece of driftwood while walking along the beach of Lake Nipissing.Mike offered to transform it into something extraordinary.“I was amazed at the beautiful workmanship that Mike did on the walking stick for me,” Nodinshared. The walking stick is adorned with seven copper rings symbolizing the SevenGrandfather Teachings, which are wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, andtruth. Additional features include representations of the four directions, a unique leatherpattern and stitch, and a turtle carved from a bone button at the head of the stick. Hand-painted floral designs, a turtle, and a thunderbird add even more depth to its significance.Mike, a member of Nipissing First Nation who grew up in Garden Village, has overcomesignificant challenges, including a battle with alcoholism. He attributes his current health andsuccess to the support he received from those he met on his healing journey. Reflecting onhis journey, Mike shared, “I’m grateful to Suswin Village, the Benbowopka Treatment Centre,and my counsellor Lisa Lourz at Garden Village for everything they have done for me. Byconnecting with my traditions and culture, I feel this has done more for my healing thananything I could have asked for. Now, I’m ready to help others and give back to our people.”15NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024Recovery for SuswinResident Involves Creativityand Gifts

16NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024A Walking Stick ofFriendship: ASymbol of Art,Tradition, &Healing.page continued Crafting has played a crucial role in Mike's healingprocess. By creating walking sticks, drums, andleather goods, he has found a way to express hiscreativity and craftsmanship. “If I don’t know how tomake something, I look closely at an example andreverse engineer it,” Mike explained.The walking stick Mike crafted for Nodin is a work ofart imbued with deep meaning. The copper ringsrepresent the Seven Grandfather Teachings, whilethe four directions tie into the medicine wheelteachings. The leather pattern and stitch symbolizethe resilience and strength of the Anishinaabeculture. The turtle signifies longevity and protection,and the floral pattern reflects growth and beauty.The thunderbird, a powerful being of the sky,protects the Anishinaabe people. Copper, anessential material in Anishinaabe culture, alsoconnects to Mishipeshu, the Great Lynx or WaterPanther, the protector of copper—a material theAnishinaabe have collected and shaped forgenerations.In addition to the walking stick, Mike has alsocreated and painted drums for the NBIFC Centre,which now reside in the Culture Room. These drums,featuring the NBIFC logo, are used during hand drumsessions as part of the Centre’s programming.Mike’s healing journey has also led to a newopportunity. After reflecting on his next steps duringhis time at the Benbowopka Treatment Centre, Mikedecided it was time to give back. “I put down mysemaa, asking for an answer, and that day, thetreatment centre asked me to return for a job as afull-time Peer Support Worker. I’ve accepted theposition and will start on Monday!”We at the NBIFC and Suswin Village are incrediblyproud of Mike and wish him all the best in this newchapter of his life. His story is a testament to thepower of healing, culture, and creativity. Crafting has played a crucial role in Mike's healingprocess. By creating walking sticks, drums, andleather goods, he has found a way to express hiscreativity and craftsmanship. “If I don’t know how tomake something, I look closely at an example andreverse engineer it,” Mike explained.The walking stick Mike crafted for Nodin is a work ofart imbued with deep meaning. The copper ringsrepresent the Seven Grandfather Teachings, whilethe four directions tie into the medicine wheelteachings. The leather pattern and stitch symbolizethe resilience and strength of the Anishinaabeculture. The turtle signifies longevity and protection,and the floral pattern reflects growth and beauty.The thunderbird, a powerful being of the sky,protects the Anishinaabe people. Copper, anessential material in Anishinaabe culture, alsoconnects to Mishipeshu, the Great Lynx or WaterPanther, the protector of copper—a material theAnishinaabe have collected and shaped forgenerations.In addition to the walking stick, Mike has alsocreated and painted drums for the NBIFC Centre,which now reside in the Culture Room. These drums,featuring the NBIFC logo, are used during hand drumsessions as part of the Centre’s programming.Mike’s healing journey has also led to a newopportunity. After reflecting on his next steps duringhis time at the Benbowopka Treatment Centre, Mikedecided it was time to give back. “I put down mysemaa, asking for an answer, and that day, thetreatment centre asked me to return for a job as afull-time Peer Support Worker. I’ve accepted theposition and will start on Monday!”We at the NBIFC and Suswin Village are incrediblyproud of Mike and wish him all the best in this newchapter of his life. His story is a testament to thepower of healing, culture, and creativity.

Chief Commanda BoatCruise, it was hot andthe ride was awesome,meegwetch to theclients that came.JULY 202418NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024Miigwetch to our Elders for joining ourYouth for tea and social time. It washeartwarming to see everyone sharinglaughs and having fun. The youth andelders all had a great time. Pinkies upfor tea time! Fancy Tea Party withelders and youth

Join us for a men’s open talking Circleevery Wednesdays 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

Creating their own tie-dye shirts was an exciting and creative activity for the youthhere at the NBIFC. Each shirt a personalized masterpiece. While waiting for theirtie-dye creations to set, the youth took part in another fun and hands-on activity:making slime! Both activities not only spark creativity but also provided adelightful, sensory-rich experience that kids thoroughly enjoy.Shirt Making20NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024MakingSlime

The Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin Program is centredaround the seven Grandfather Teachings ofWisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty,Humility, and Truth. The men learned aboutTraditional Roles and responsibilities of Men andhow we get back to being Kind Men, who helpgrow, support, and better our communities. A lotof the men are looking forward to getting involvedwith the Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin Program in thefuture to help other men become Kind Men!23NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024Empowering Menthrough the SevenGrandfather Teachings:The Kizhaay AnishinaabeNiin Program"Thanks Kris, I'm looking forward to graduating! This course has been very helpful to me! Itreinforces all of life's responsibilities as a "man," and the 7 traits are reinforcing the things thatare important to me! The class was interesting; the involvement with others in similar lifechanges made me feel "not alone," and I became able to share in mydevelopment of all the seven. Self-growth is also important in life.Today I believe I've moved a "few"steps forward in being a "kind(er)man." Thank you!!!!”The men share about their experience

“I learned that it's okay to show your sensitive side when need be. That we are all pretty muchthe same, just with different knowledge. (I have) a better understanding of myself and others. (Ilearned) to compromise, not being "my way or the highway,” and seeing others' perspectives.(Ialso learned) about healthy conflict and how it would look (and have) a better understanding ofthe 7 Grandfather Teachings.""I didn't know my dad. Through taking this program, I learned more about my culture and feelmore connected to him, you know, and his brothers, who I get to spend time with now, teachingme more about my culture and where I came from. It was the piece that was missing on mywellness journey. Learning the Seven Grandfathers teachings has helped me, and I know I will beable to share my story and help others too."24NBIFC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024page continued

Support Talking Circle Support Talking Circle “Balancing Being”Most people associate Wellbriety with addictions butWellbriety is about much more. It means being abalanced person.“Balancing Being”Most people associate Wellbriety with addictions butWellbriety is about much more. It means being abalanced person.WHEN:WHEN:EVERY ThursdaySeptember 5th, 12th, 19thand 26th .2PM -4PMEVERY ThursdaySeptember 5th, 12th, 19thand 26th .2PM -4PMWHERE:WHERE:NBIFCRec Roomdownstairs.NBIFCRec Roomdownstairs.AHWS & IMHW PRESENTSAHWS & IMHW PRESENTS980 Cassells Street, North Bay, ON980 Cassells Street, North Bay, ON

Unlock Your Potential inthe Skilled Trades!Indigenous women areleading the way in theskilled trades, creating alegacy of strength andresilience. Explore trainingprograms, mentorshipopportunities, and a careerthat celebrates yourheritage and skills. Yourfuture in the trades startsnow!Unlock Your Potential inthe Skilled Trades!Indigenous women areleading the way in theskilled trades, creating alegacy of strength andresilience. Explore trainingprograms, mentorshipopportunities, and a careerthat celebrates yourheritage and skills. Yourfuture in the trades startsnow!Build Your Legacy in theSkilled Trades!Indigenous women aretransforming the skilledtrades industry. Join us togain valuable skills, accesssupportive networks, andcreate a meaningful career.Together, we can pave theway for future generations.Build Your Legacy in theSkilled Trades!Indigenous women aretransforming the skilledtrades industry. Join us togain valuable skills, accesssupportive networks, andcreate a meaningful career.Together, we can pave theway for future generations.