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Message SEptEMBER2025
Table of ContentsWhat a beautiful time of year we are moving intotogether. The air is crisp, the smell of fall is in thebreeze, and our community is filled with the energyof the changing seasons.Over the past month, we’ve shared in many goodthings here at the Friendship Centre. Our programshave been buzzing with activity, and we’re especiallyexcited to announce the return of Women’s WellnessDay—a cherished gathering that brings togetherwomen of all ages to connect, learn, and take care ofmind, body, and spirit. This years theme, Women onthe Move, as we celebrate careers, personal growthand education goals.At the same time, many of our youth have headedback to school, carrying with them theencouragement, teachings, and support of theirfamilies and community. We are proud to see themwalking strong into another year of learning andgrowth.Looking ahead, we’re inviting NBIFC Members to joinus for the upcoming Membership Dinner, whereyou’ll have the opportunity to review and give inputon our new Strategic Plan. This is an important step inshaping the future of the Friendship Centre, and wewant to hear your thoughts—your voice matters.As the leaves turn and we look ahead, our FriendshipCentre continues to prepare for the season ahead witha full heart. We invite you to stay connected with us,join in upcoming activities, and continue to makespace for wellness, culture, and community as westep together into fall.Chi-miigwetch for being part of our Friendship Centrefamily.KATHY FORTINEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR3...............................Life Long Care, September Moon4..............Nutrition Bingo, Men’s Drumming, Akwe:go5..............................................Indian Boarding Homes5-7......................................Prenatal & Family Support7....................................................Children’s Wellness8........................................Language Camp, Wellbriety9.....................................Overdose Remembrance Day10-13....................................................Medicine Walk14...............................................................Fall Dinner15..........................................................Staff DirectoryA huge chi miigwetch to our summerstudent and summer intern – Rachaeland Holly - for their help andcontributions to our events andprogramming this summer. Theirenthusiasm and assistance added tothe enjoyment of all our participants inthe youth and LLC programs. Wishingthem both a successful school year asthey continue their educationaljourney this fall.Chi miigwetch Rachael and Holly!
Corn MoonMdaamin GiizisThe ninth moon of Creation isthe Corn Moon, during whichtime we learn about the cycleof life. Each cob of corn hasthirteen rows ofmulticoloured seeds whichrepresent all the spiritswaiting to begin their Earthwalk. These will be the futuregenerations for whom wemust prepare.Moons in other regions:Manoominike-giizis (RicingMoon)Waatebagaa-giizis (LeavesTurning Moon)Waagaabagaa-giizis (LeavesTurning Moon)Waabagaa Giizis (Leaves-Turning-Colors Moon)Life Long CareClients in the LLC program enjoyed abeautiful afternoon picnic at the park. Weplayed bingo and shared many laughs. Wehad a delicious lunch. It was a nicerelaxing day. Thank you, Holly andRachael, for all your help. LLC clients went on a road trip to CrystalCave. We learned about fossils, rockformation and minerals. It was a funeducational day. We enjoyed the FairyGarden and saw so many neat things inthe store. The owner gave us each abeautiful stone called Apache Tears. Wewere gifted with these beautiful stones,along with their history. We feel soblessed and honoured that the ownerwould share such a beautiful gift with us.
NUTRITION BINGO10AM-12PMFAMILY SUPPORT &PRENATAL NUTRITIONPROGRAMSMEN’S DRUM NIGHTS J o i n u s fo r WHEN:EVERYTHURSDAYEXCEPTHOLIDAYS :)WHERE:NBIFCGYM980 CASSELLSFOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:KIMBERLEY STEPHENAHWS@NBIFC.ORG 705-472-2811 EX. 219TIME:6:00PM-8:00PMLIGHTREFRESHMENTSWILL BE SERVEDNBIFC GYMRegistration Required To register Please Call Kayla or Cindy705-472-2811 Ext: 210/212SEPT4TH2025 Akwe:goSummer is almost over and the school bells willbe ringing soon enough! August surely started outas a busy month. We had a group of kidsparticipate in Horse Ability where we had thepleasure of working with Lori Burns to learnabout the bonds we can create with horses andhow they have the ability to ground us in thatconnection, how a horse communicates is bybody language and their behaviours within theherd. We also learned how the choices we makeresult in a specific outcome that sometimes wedon’t always think will happen. We worked as ateam to build confidence in each participant, andthe kids had a great last session of the month withtheir parents joining in to show them all that theyhave learned over the last few weeks workingwith the horses.
September 23 9:30am – 1:30pmAn information session about the Indian Boarding Home Class Action Settlement:The Indian Boarding Homes Program was created by the Government of Canada to placechildren from First Nations communities and Inuit villages in private homes, often in non-Indigenous communities, so they could attend schools. This program began during thefederal government’s phase-out of residential schools.The Settlement provides compensation to First Nations and Inuit people who were placed inboarding homes between 1951 and 1992. Those placed after 1992 may also be eligible ifCanada was responsible for their placement.Eligibility Criteria:Claimants were placed in a private home between September 1, 1951, and June 30,1992, for the purpose of attending school (not including post-secondary education); orAfter June 30, 1992, if Canada was responsible for their placement.Claimants were alive on or after July 24, 2016. (The estate for a claim member whopassed after this date can be filed by their executor, or highest priority heir.)Our Guest: Sherry HuffCommunity Engagement Specialist Aanii, HelloWe hope you all had a wonderful summer! Nowthat everyone is getting back into their regularroutines, we’d love to remind you about theupcoming activities we have planned. It is a greattime to come out, reconnect, and enjoy some timetogether.We’re looking forward to seeing you at HorseAbility, Nutrition Bingo, Baby Bonding, BouncingBabies and all are other exciting programs. Let’smake this season full of fun, laughter, andmemories with family and friends.Some of the activities that took place included:Beach dayMovie day Lilo & StitchPrenatal and FamilySupportFor more information:ahow@nbifc.org
We’re always open for more participants to register for our program – come be part ofthis great opportunity and connect with others.Stepheny, Kayla & Cindy For more information about programs:apnp@nbifc.org afsw@nbifc.org apnpassist@nbifc.orgBack to school party Beaded hats
We had my first lead, independent event as CWPworker August 25 and 27 . th thWe explored the breathtaking beauty of nature atMarten River Provincial Park. The Discovery programprovided activities that included a tour and historybehind the logging industry, pine trees and animalknowledge of martens (weasel family) and redsquirrels . The families also enjoyed an educationalscavenger hunt pretending to be martens whilesearching for food and avoiding prey.Special thanks to Ontario Parks staff Mitchell Duvaland Sophie Williams for bridging the collaborationand educational tours.Special thank you to Wasa Nabin , UAHL andHealthy Babies/ Healthy Children.Children’s Wellness Program
The two-day youth language camp was a powerful experience of living Indigenous traditionson the land. Henry Friday led engaging Cree language sessions, teaching snaring skills andsharing stories from his youth, illustrating how Cree knowledge is rooted in everyday life.Anna Marie guided youth through Ojibway medicine teachings, helping them create and weartheir own medicine pouches, and even hosted a fun game of bingo in Ojibway.Time on the land was central: the group shared meals of fish, moose, hot dogs, and s’moresaround the fire. The camp was a meaningful reminder that language keeps culture alive,grounding youth in Indigenous knowledge and leaving them inspired and connected to theirroots.Language CampOctober 7, 2025 1:30 pm -- 3:30 pm. Tentative completiondate: Dec 16, 2025NBIFC RecreationRoomRegistration isrequired!To register please contact:Kim Stephen 705-472-2811 ext. 219 or email:ahws@nbifc.org980 Cassells Street,North Bay, ON
Honouring Lives and Raising Awareness on International OverdoseAwareness DayInternational Overdose Awareness Day holds deep meaning for the North Bay IndigenousFriendship Centre. It validates the experiences of those affected by overdose and works toreduce stigma through compassion and understanding.The event promotes culturally safe and supportive spaces, raises awareness of preventionand treatment options, and honours the lives lost to overdose.It also strengthens our community partnerships as we work together to address the rootcauses of trauma, inequity, and barriers to care.Together, we remember, raise awareness, and advocate for healing.
A Perfect Day for a Medicine WalkThe sun was shining, and the weather was just right for wandering the NBIFC Land atRiding Stable Road. Our plant walks are all about reconnecting with the land and learninghow traditional plants can help us care for ourselves, our families, and our community.Once you begin to recognize even a few plants, the forest comes alive—you no longer see“just green,” but individual helpers with their own gifts. It’s a reminder of our responsibilityas caretakers: to respect the plants, help them grow, and share their teachings.Part of that responsibility means remembering our protocols: when you harvest, youalways put down your tobacco first. This small act of gratitude acknowledges the spirit ofthe plant and honours the exchange. We take only what we need, leave enough for theanimals and the next generation, and care for the land so the plants can continue tothrive.On this walk, we met so many plant friends, each with their own gifts (I’ve only mentioneda few, to learn more you need to join us for a walk!):Goldthread – Bright yellow roots hiding under moss, used for mouth infections and asa natural dye.Fireweed – Delicious jelly, spring shoots like asparagus, and tea for soothing thestomach.Plantain – The bug season hero, mashed for bites, stings, or made into salves.Scouring Rush – Great for keeping bones strong and healthy.Wild Sarsaparilla – A circulation booster to prepare for winter.Goldenrod – A keystone for pollinators and a powerhouse for healing andinflammation.Heal-All – True to its name, it supports healing in teas, poultices, and salves.Purple Loosestrife – An invasive, but still used for stomach troubles and other issues.Alder – This humble tree helps with weight control.Joe Pye Weed (Gravel Root) – A diuretic that helps with kidney stones and cleansing.Tamarack – A unique larch tree that offers pain and nerve support.Women’s Sage (Pearly Everlasting) – A gentle sage safe for women to use during moontime.Red Osier Dogwood – Striking red branches and medicine for pain and inflammation.Willow – Famous for its anti-inflammatory powers, keeping us flexible and strong.Labrador Tea – A tasty tea that helps regulate blood sugar and supports health.And all of these plants? They’re just steps away from the group area on the NBIFC Land – areminder of how rich our territory is.We even had some unexpected teachers join us: the cute little garter snakes baskinghappily in their home, reminding us that all beings share this land together. Our plant walks are for everyone—kids, parents, Elders, and anyone curious to learn. Joinus next time and see how these incredible medicines can become part of your home, yourbundle, and your connection to the land.
GOLDEN RODWILD SARSAPARILLASCOURING RUSHPLANTAINHEAL-ALL
ALDERJOE PYE WEEDTAMARACKRASPBERRYWILLOWRED OSIER DOGWOOD
LABRADORE TEAWOMEN’S SAGEPURPLE LOOSESTRIFELITTLE FRIENDS!FIRE WEED
MEMBERSHIP FALL DINNER NBIFCDOORS OPEN AT 4:30PLEASE HAVE YOURMEMBERSHIP CARD WITH YOUOCTOBER 16TH, 2025*MEMBERS ONLY*