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SAGAMOK ANISHINABEK NEWS

Biidaaban KinoomaagegamikScience Fair flair at the MEC!Page 23

BiinjiyingAnnouncements Pages 4-9

Community Justice Program Page 16

Children’s Wellness & Young Warriors Youth Council

Page 10

Elder’s Eagle Lodge Page 12Gardening Safety Pages 14-15

Land Code Development Pages 17-21Community Wellness Program Pages 22-23

Waabaagoni Giizis 2014Published Monthly by

Sagamok Anishnawbek

Sagamok youth oversees, a traditional James Bay Cree Cookout.

Community ProfilePamela Toulouse reflects on a career inEducationPage 3

The Sagamok News is available anytime VIA download at Sagamok.ca/newsletters, or read it online at ISSUU.com/sagamok.

Do not forget to SUBSCRIBE TO the “Anish Nabe” Youtube channel for sagamok news interviews with inspirational people and updates from community programs, workshops, forums and announcements.

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SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK NEWS

Sagamok Anishnawbek News is a product of the Community Devel-opment and Nation Building Project. A Communications Core Group

formed to respond requesting timely and up to date information of our Administration of Government.

The Sagamok Anishnawbek News first published in June 2004. It will continue monthly information sharing related to Sagamok Anishnawbek

Administration of Government.

PUBLISHING CRITERIA

The Sagamok Anishnawbek News is a monthly publication of the Sag-amok Anishnawbek First Nation. Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or political position of the First Nation. No portion of this

paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the Sagamok Anishnawbek News Editorial Board.

All contributors will be provided a reply regarding the receiving of their submission. As administrator and editor we reserve the right to edit,

condense, print, reject or delay publication of submissions. Publication of submissions is based upon priority of interest. All contributors must include contact information with their submission. Submissions which include pictures must include information regarding the content of the

photo.

The Sagamok News is offering cash honoraria for article submissions from Community members. All articles must be 250 words or more in

length and relevant to Sagamok Anishnawbek. All articles must be typed or formatted using MS Word and sent to the email address Newsletter@Sagamok.ca or dropped off at the Sagamok Newsletter mailbox in the Band office. The monthly deadline for submissions is the 3rd Friday of each month. A maximum of $100 honoraria per month will be shared

amongst membership contributors. Letters to the editor and all other em-ployee submissions are not applicable to the Community Member news

article Initiative.

Newspaper Working Group: Michelle Toulouse Janet Owl Allen Toulouse Wayne Peltier Laura McMeekin-Clarke Rebecca Toulouse Ezra Owl Amanda Hardisty Mitzi Toulouse Lorna Sinobert Veronica Nashkawa

Production: Sagamok Anishnawbek News

Administration: Allen Toulouse

ADVERTISING & NEW DEADLINES

Deadline for the July 2014 issue

Submission Deadline: June 16th, 2014

Scheduled Printing: July 4th, 2014

SUBMISSION INQUIRIES

Telephone (705) 865-2421 ext 270

Toll Free 1-800-567-2896

Email newsletter@sagamok.ca

Donations Payable to: Sagamok Anishnawbek News

P.O. Box 610, Massey, Ontario , P0P 1P0

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Community Profile

By: Allen Toulouse

Pamela Toulouse has embarked on a lifelong journey on the path of education. Recently awarded by her fellow faculty and students for her work, Pamela has emerged as a excellent scholar and role model of Sagamok Anishnawbek. Pamela refelects on the people who inspired her love of teaching and what defines great teachers.

AT=Allen Toulouse

PT=Pamela Toulouse

AT: Is your career essentailly teaching teachers how to teach?

PT: I teach in a school of education and I train students how to be classroom teachers from kindergarten through to grade ten. I teach what is called Teaching Methods, and traditionally is the course that everyone fears. It is usually very dry content, things like classroom management, lesson planning, long range planning and assessment. I have taken the course and made it very interactive and fun. My student teachers walk away

knowing how to manage make their classes how to use appropriate technology and interactive for all of their students.

AT: What are the qualities of a great teacher?

PT: In 21 years of experience, the qualities that make a great teacher are passionate teachers, somebody who seeks to provide the best of the best for their students. It is not a popularity contest you do not become a teacher to be liked. A teacher always puts student learning and their needs first. You will do everything you can do to make them shine, where they can feel honored and safe. It is passion for your field, using the most current research methods compassion for your students.

AT: How can a First Nations perspective benefit the way education is taught?

PT: Whenever I teach I offer A First Peoples Prespective I grew up here in Sagmaok for the first 17 years of my life and that shaped my perspective. One of the teaching philosophies I use is “Kinomaageh” meaning

that when I think of the word it does not just mean teaching but teaching from the heart. I use the language, I say Aanii and Kwee Kwee, it is honouring our people and talking about our traditions and teaching indigenous students in a respectful way. The way education was in the past we had a very sordid and brutal history with education but in the last twenty years you see this growth where our culture and language is included in mainstream curriculum. You take a look at it now and our people are being honoured and it is about time. We are at a really good case in education and hopefully a even better case for our kids.

AT: Who put you on your current path?

PT: My goodness, my current path becoming a teacher, a professor, dedication to my profession and my culture, I have to go back to my roots and that is my family. My mom and dad, my step parents Becky and Ken who raised me for a good part of my life, I look to my grand mother Madonna who talked about a good work ethic, to the Creator who set out this path for me and to honour this role. I look to my family first and then I look to people in schools and rolemodels who really fostered that love of learning. Family first and good role models second.

AT: Winding down, is there anyone you want to mention?

PT: Definetly, Mother’s day makes me think of my own mom who has been in the spirit world for the last 18 years and I think of all of the gifts she gave me and our grandmother who instilled in all of us the will to be good workers. Well wishes for all of our mothers not just the two legged but the four legged too, a mothers role goes beyond her children and includes the earth as well.

Pam Toulouse speaks with Communications Officer’s Allen Toulouse about her recent award for teaching.

The family of Madonna Rose Toulouse would like to thank the community

for your generous support during her wake and funeral. Your kindness and thoughtfulness continues to be greatly

appreciated. Meegwetch!

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Conference for Profes s ionals

J u n e 13 , 2014

R eg is t ra t ion $125.00 - Early Bird $150.00 - After May 2ND Group Rate of 3 Or more at $100.00

For more in format ion or to reg i s ter pleas e g o to w w w.s s mifc.com

K ey not e & Gues t Speak ers Matt Sinclair Jeff Noble Pris ci l la Southw ind

Broug ht to you by:

“Speak u p , It ’s Ou r Respon s ibility”

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Dis order

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Information For Community Regarding Sagamok Anishnawbek First Response Team

The purpose of the First Response Team is to provide emergency patient care at the scene of an accident or illness until such time

that an ambulance is available to arrive at the scene.

The intent of these teams is to have local access to a trained group of local volunteers that may be available to respond to a local

ambulance related emergency and administer first aid. There are times when there are not enough volunteers to provide the First Response service and as such will notify the Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC) that the First Response Team is

not in service.

An Emergency First Response Team is not an ambulance service and must be dispatched by an ambulance communications Centre

(CACC).

The CACC prioritizes the urgency of requests, determines the appropriate destination hospital to meet patient needs and provides

callers with pre-arrival first aid instructions. The centers deploy, coordinate and direct the movement of all ambulances and

emergency response vehicles within geographic catchment areas to ensure an integrated healthcare system.

The Emergency First Response Team will be activated only by the CACC. Should someone contact a team member directly for

assistance, the team member will contact the CACC and request an ambulance prior to responding on the call.

The First Response Vehicle is to be used as a First Response Vehicle and as such is NOT TO BE USED TO TRANSPORT

PATIENT(S).

Circumstances may deem the need for the First Response vehicle to be used as a mobile shelter. Mobile shelter will be considered as a temporary shelter at the scene, when the need for shelter from the

elements is required i.e. weather, insects, bystanders, patient safety, etc.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Melvin Southwind at (705) 865-2421 ext. 211.

The Point

Pow Wow Grounds

Fort Lachloche

Volunteers will be provided with: Gloves, garbage bags, light lunch and juice

Volunteers are respondsible for: Water, Sunblock, insect repellent and hat

For more information contact, Lands, Resources and Environment Unit at:705-865-1134

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Fire Permits$5 per fire permit as of May 1st 2014.

Fire permits are available at the front desk of the Sagamok Band Office. Requests for controlled burns can be made with Melvin Southwind at 705-865-2142 ext 211

Outdoor Fires and the Law

If you’re found responsible for a forest fire, because of improper fire usage, you could be accountable for the costs of putting out the fire and for any property damage that occurs.

For those living in a municipality, you may be required to take your grass or woody debris to an approved dis-posal site. Check first with the local municipal office or fire department first.

If you live in northwestern, northern or central Ontario, it’s the law to follow the proper safety burning informa-tion.

Choose the right time to fire up

Flames are likely to burn out of control on a hot, dry or windy day. Burn during the coolest, dampest and calm-est time of the day -- two hours before sunset, or later.

Size matters

Small fires can be controlled by one person using hand tools and water. Keep your fire burning products less than two metres in diameter and less than two metres high. If you want to burn grass or leaves, the area must be

less than one hectare and the length of the flaming edge is kept to less than 30 metres.

Choose the appropriate site

Burning piles must be at least two metres away from other flammable material. A fire-proof boundary is essen-tial if you’re burning grass or leaves. Roads and ditches provide a good barrier against fire spread.

Don’t leave your fire alone

A responsible fire starter must be available to tend to the fire from start to finish -- even if it’s contained in an incinerator.

Put your fire out!

If you start a fire, it’s your responsibility to put it out. Coals can smolder for hours and hot embers can be blown by the wind, easily igniting surrounding tinder. Used charcoal or ashes should be disposed of in a pit. Hot coals

should be doused thoroughly, then covered with sand or gravel.

Building a safe incinerator is also important if you often burn wood debris or litter.

from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Dae Fawn, University Graduate & Robear, High School Graduate

Dae Fawn Assinewe graduated April 27, 2014, the daughter of Rhea and Francois Beaupre and sister to Robear Assinewe of Sagamok Anishnawbek. A 2014 graduate of Finlandia University, she received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing. While at Finlandia University she was named to the dean’s list two times and four times on Honor’s List.

Robear Assinewe graduate June 2014, the son of Rhea and Francois Beaupre of Sagamok and brother to Dae Fawn Assinewe of L’Anse, Michigan. A 2014 graduate of Espanola High School, he receives his secondary school diploma. The Espanola High School Teachers nominated Robear for an Aboriginal Secondary School Student Award.

The Assinewe-Beaupre Family is proud of their daughter and son’s accomplishments and want to send a heartfelt thanks to extended family, Sagamok Anishnawbek Chief and Council and the Education Unit for their continued support over the years to assist in Dae Fawn and Robear in their academic success.

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Children’s Wellness & Young Warriors Youth Council

On Friday April 25th, 2014 Children’s Wellness & Young Warriors worked in collaboration to organize & deliver a Family Spring Fling Dance at the Multi-Educational Centre. We had a total of 76 community members in attendance. It was nice to see a lot of families participate with showing up in semi-formal and dancing the night away. We had spot dances and also a Family Door Prize Draw of Gift Certificates for family outing in Sudbury for dinner and movie in the value of $100.00. The family who won the Family Door Prize was Mr. & Mrs. Jason Solomon. It always give a sense of Community Pride when we all come together

YOUNG WARRIORS YOUTH COUNCIL

Sagamok Youth volunteering their time to show Community Spirit! Chi-Miigwetch to all Youth who came out to assist with our Family Dance on Friday April 25th, 2014

Young Warriors Guitar Lessons

As a prioritized program that was identified by the Youth of Sagamok Guitar Lesson’s have been a great success with committed youth and Adults who have been participants since April 2nd,2014. Our instructor is Patrick Grose & Winston Assinewe. Guitar Lessons have been offered twice per week all participants have learned so much in

the matter of 6 weeks. We have a schooled “Coffee House” on Friday June 20th, 2014 for community Showcase! Keep up the great work!!

Young Warriors Paint Ball Park Development Project

It was identified by Sagamok Youth that they would like to work together to have a Paint Ball Park in Sagamok First Nation. As we know it takes time and committed youth to have a common vision & goal. Youth along with staff have come together to work on our vision of Sagamok Paint Ball Park. Youth are working together with researching layouts, equipment, land & collaborating ideas amongst the group. We have a total of 18 Core Group Members. Paint Ball Park Excursion to Sudbury ON, to Dodge Paint Ball was held on Saturday May 17th, 2014 with attendance of 13 Participants. All participants we provided Transportation by Fox Bus Lines also was provided lunch. The

Children’s Wellness Summer Camp

Children’s Wellness will be having Summer Camp Registration at Treaty Day on Friday June 20th, 2014. The Children’s Wellness will be offering the program for the month of July and will be having two separate age categories. Transportation will be provided for all participants

Age categories & Program Dates

1st Group for ages (6yrs – 9yrs) Monday July 7th – Thursday July 17th, 2014

2ns Group for ages (10yrs – 13yrs) Monday July 21st – Thursday July 31st, 2014

All Participants will responsible for the following

Daily Lunch, Towel, Swimwear, Sun Block

Life Jackets, Hats & Proper Footwear

All participants will need to have a completed registration form with Parental Signature. Registration Deadline will be on Tuesday June 24th, 2014 at the Community Wellness Department by 4:00p.m. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mckenzie

Toulouse at (705)865-1966 or by e-mail toulouse_mckenzie@sagamok.ca

Community Justice Program

The Community Justice program had offered a Community Circle on Thursday May 15th, 2014 at the Community Wellness Department. Guest Facilitator was Isaac Murdoch from Serpent River First Nation, the topic that was the teaching was “Reconnecting Back to Mother Earth”. We had 8 Participants in attendance, with a closing activity of Flower Pot making. Each Participant was able to complete to flower pots that was 1 for their own keeping and the second to give to a community members. It was a great learning activity and everyone walked away with a great teaching & a great gift.

Here are some ideas that we brought forward by participants with Reconnecting with Mother Earth

Reconnect to the water, Preserving,Meditating

Gardening: Spending time with family

Harvesting: Camping

Nature Walks: Canoeing

Berry Picking:Traditional Crafts

Fasting/Sweats: Ceremonies

Community Justice Program will be offering another Community Circle for Tuesday June 17th, 2014 from the times of 6:30p.m – 8:30p.m for more information please contact Community Justice Worker Renee Owl at (705) 865-2171. Miigweetch

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Kyla Toulouse off to National Aboriginal Indigneous Games!

By: Allen Toulouse

Kyla Toulouse is no stranger to the sports community. An avid athlete the 20 year old athlete from Sagamok has made a name for herself in local hockey arenas, NOSSA Track And Field and now seeks to get out on the baseball diamond at this summer’s 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). Kyla has already qualified to play in the NAIG tournament but still needs a little bump from the community to get her there. Room, travel and meals are not free and she can’t go alone so her mom will be joining her on this adventure to Regina, Saskatchewan. Kyla is not intimidated by her cross continental competition, who will be hailing not just from Canada, but from the United States and Mexico as well.

Aanii/Boozhoo

My name is Clara Jacko and I am a member of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation. As a proud member of the community I would like to take this time to formally introduce myself as the Care Coordinator at the Chi-Nishnabe M’gizi Wigwam.

For nearly 20 years I have been involved with our Community in a variety of roles and capacities. My most recent work experience with Sagamok was peoviding physiotherapist and occupational therapist delegations for various ailments and conditions to the elderly and disabled, as well as the general population. During this time I had frequent collaborations with the care coordinator, I feel that this experience has prepared me and gien me confidence to serve the people of our community.

I am thankful for this opprotunity and am looking forward to providing the best care possible. If you or anyone would like to learn more about this program please do not hesitiate to contact me.

Eagle Lodge Staff Welcome New Staff Member

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Innovative, ingenious and completely practical. A bit of research and a lot of team work has brought capacity to the residents of Elders Eagle Lodge. Thanks to the research of Delma and Laura, carpentry skills of Robert Stoneypoint and the generosity of Mr. Pesci with his donation of gently used lumber each resident now has their own garden box. GREAT WORK EVERYONE!!!

Frank Bob, Delma Toulouse, Laura McKeegin Clarke and Jeanne McLeod hard at work

Delma Toulouse assisting Eleanor Pine plant her Garden Box right outside her door

Elder’s Eagle Lodge

John and Laura preparing the Garden box for John’s choice of vegetables

Team work with Rodney Buzwa and Frank Bob.

June 2, 2014 Day Care toddlers planted flowers at Elders Eagle Lodge and were treated to home made muffins and apple juice for all their hard work. It is such a delight to hear the little ones giggling and running about at the lodge. Miigwetch

Daycare students help plant garden at Eagle Lodge

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In March The Sagamok Food Bank received money from The North Shore Tribal Council Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder/Child Nutrition Program. This program is in place to assist community members to become empowered to make choices in order to maintain a healthy, productive, balanced living environment for our children, families, communities and nation. The Sagamok Food Bank was provided with items to help families in need. Items such as Baby formula, baby food, diapers, training pants, diaper ointment, toiletries, as well as other food bank staples were purchased.

The goal of the Sagamok Food Bank is to provide an emergency food assistance program that offers access to basic food needs for residents of Sagamok Anishnawbek and is open on Wednesdays from 1:30pm-4:30pm & Fridays from 9:00am-12:00pm.

On behalf of the Food Bank I would like to thank the North Shore Tribal Council for their support. Chi-Miigwetch

For more information about the regional program please contact the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder / Child Nutrition Coordinator, NSTC. 705-865-2171

Sagamok Foodbank

The Sagamok Food Bank office has Moved

We are now in the lunchroom (beside the kitchen) at the Multi-Educational Centre

Office hours will remain the same

Wednesday -1:30pm-4:30pm (Food Bank &Milk Program)

Fridays-9:00am-12:00pm(Food Bank)

*Milk program for families with children 12 years and under, Elder’s (55+) & expectant mothers

*No signing out for other community members

Train in Sagamok to become an Early Childhood Educator!

APPLY NOW! Registration funded through Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation closes June 15.

Contact:Judy Proux, Espanola Campus, Cambrian College | (705) 869-4113

Claudette Jones or Joanne Owl, Education Unit, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation | (705) 865-2421

• Hands-on learning that’s close to home• Classes start in September, 2014• 2-year diploma program • Graduates may apply to become

Registered Early Childhood Educators

Learn more, find admission requirements and apply at: cambriancollege.ca/earlychildhood

Minimum 20 students needed to deliver program

Marcella Toulouse with her son Caspian.

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DUTY TO REPORTKids shouldn’t have to live with abuse. Reporting suspected child abuse and neglect is everyone’s

responsibility. To learn more about child abuse and neglect, how to recognize it and what happens

when you call a children’s aid society, visit www.useyourvoice.ca. Use your voice. Report your

suspicions of child abuse and neglect to your local Children’s Aid Society at 705-566-3113.

COMMUNITY JUSTICE PROGRAMMIWDOODAA MINO MAADIZIWIN DIVERSION PROGRAM

MISSIONThe community Justice Program will support offenders, families and victims to restore balance and harmony in relationships as they work towards healing; assist offenders in reintegration into the community; instill pride in their Anishnawbek identity; create community awareness of justice issues through education; and work together

with other programs and services to improve the quality of life for all community members

Eligibility

• Youth ages 12-17, Adults 18+, member or resident of Sagamok Anishnawbek who normally resides in Sagamok, individual has agreed and consented to voluntary participation in the diversion program, individual has consulted with legal counsel

Justice Committee

Guided by the sacred teachings of the seven grandfathers, the Justice committee consists of Sagamok Anishnawbek community members who promote decision by consensus, equality, balance and unity.

Length of Program

• The length of the program is determined by two factors.

• Case by case basis and the time given to the client to complete conditions as outlined in the Healing and Wellness Plan

• Address causes of the offending behaviour

The needs of the victim(s) will be adequately addressed

• The safety and harmony of the community will be enhanced through the use of a community based approach

• Community ownership and responsibility

• Reduced charge or withdrawal of charge

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Land Code Development – World Café By: Gida Kimmnon

On March 5th the Lands Resources and Environment Unit alongside G’daa Kiim-non hosted a one day community gathering to discuss topics related to Land Code Development. World Café style discussions were hosted by Mitzi Toulouse, Tammy Tremblay, Gary Toulouse and Allen Toulouse. At each table the participants answered questions related to the following topics: Historical Development & Culturally Significant Sites, Rights of Mother Earth, Planning Future Sagamok Land Use and Communication and Engagement. The data collected from these discussions will form the basis of our future Lands Code. We are sharing the data we collected thanks to your participation, in this June Issue of the Sagamok News

Historical Development and Culturally Significant Sites

What can be done to preserve our history?

• Continue with family tree workshops. Family oral history; important to retain short stories to pass on to the children and youth and could possibly teach in school.

• Looking at keepers of information and the importance of the blood lines to be broadcasted on Radio Station for story telling

• Documenting history, via videotaping and audio recording of our elders, families, historical, using Anishnaabemowin.

•Utilizing existing family photos to scan and create a databank

• Create a community history book

• Small questionnaire to be filled out and submitted back to the Lands office (with information about our family history)

• Create usable maps for community members

• Re-marking and mapping of the graveyards/sites

• Encourage headstones for the deceased, tell history (rather than cremation) and provide more information on the memory cards (further information in obituaries)

• Secure a spot at the Massey Museum

• Archive Centre for the community; specify building just for this purpose

• Implementing a program at the school-detailing information and teaching the children about our community and history

• Accessing information from federal government.

Where does the name “Zagamok” come from?

• “Where it joins”

• A meeting place. “Where the islands meet” or “Where the roads meet”. A meeting place for the Anishnawbek, Louis Toulouse

• “Oj” means mountain. “Mohawk Mountain” – McBean, where it’s heard that the name had to do with when the Mohawks battled the Ojibwas at the McBean Area

• Odenaahshigg –Where the roads are joining

• Areas of Sagamok Anishnawbek (formally known as Spanish River Indian Reserve) Spanish River #1 – Half ways Area, Spanish River #2-Birch Lake Area, Spanish River #3- Beaver Stone Area, Spanish River #4 – Espaniel/ Chapleau/ Bisco Area and Spanish River #5 was all of Sagamok Areas

• There was known that there is an old map of Sagamok Anishnawbek in Naughton, Ontario

• History information:

o Harry Toulouse was known to have the first vehicle in Sagamok

o River Road floods at Peter Owls

o From Sagamok Road to Massey bridge –In the old days individuals would have to get off the bus and run across the bridge then the bus would go over after children

• Pow-wow grounds, track of land there looking at the west. You see the bay of the water. Sagamok Point used to be an island. *Dolphus Toulouse mother and Frank Abitong were born at the Pow-wow grounds

• school, main community hall was at the point, back then

• Five houses at the Toulouse Bay, settlement from Wiky 1908

• Z’agamok Enterprises Inc. – newly started company for the Mining

What culturally significant sites of Sagamok Anishnawbek?

• Burial sites:

o Individual burial sites

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Continued from page 17

o Richard Owl’s residence

o Bruce Southwind’s residence

o Pumphouse Road beside Lillian Owl’s residence

o Fort LaCloche, and Landfill Area known as Perch Bay

o McBean Mountain (Unknown if marked or isn’t) Anna Marie Abitong aunties where buried there

o behind Anglican church

o Henry’s dock

• Land marks i.e.: Indian Head (historical stories/ information)

o Fort LaCloche

o Little Detroit

o McBean Mountain

o Indian Head

o Aird Island (where the Island cut off)

o Sagamok Point (Original settlement)

o Boom Camp (Migration settlement)

o First Sawmill (River Road)

o Shoepack Bay

o Dashbodgahsing

• Wild rice and cranberries sites

o Toulouse Bay and Owl Lake has cranberries

• Historical areas of Sagamok

Anishnawbek(Spanish River Indian Reserve)

o Day n’ night Drumming –Down by the river. “Painting Serpent” Protecting areas by the big snakes

o There was a History of Sagamok book created by Gail Francis, Eileen Smith, Joanne Owl and Brenda Rivers

o Fort LaCloche Mountain –part of Bell Rock

o Spiritual Sites: “Coming of danger – warning” when the Bell was ringing

o Big Turtle “big swirls” McBean Harbour

o Devils Lake; “Bad to swim there”, was known to be bottomless, stories of the lake swirling

o Life Under the Rock by Rev. Sissenah

o Traditional was the way of life until Christianity was introduced

o Trails of the Fur Traders

Where do we go from here to ensure that our history is preserved?

• Storytelling (Storytelling should be done in the Fall/ Winter)

• Developing a curriculum for the entire history “class”. Start teaching the children from Biidaaban Elementary School

• Making a community history book

• Oral History – Genealogical –possibly in book form

• Start a meeting of all our elders

• Create a sub-group

• To be speaking the language and to gain information, teaching our dialect

• Three Fires Confederacy –What does it mean?

• Gain deeper knowledge of our basis

• War of 1812. Significant medals- Batisse in history, medal/ book from Angeline Lewis, this was passed on from her father

• Information should be kept in Sagamok

• When did we get our “surnames”

• Different last names – missionaries

• Archives

• Museum in Sagamok Anishnawbek

• Types of information we want to document

• Medicine/ medicinal areas of growth

• Traditional land holdings to be mapped out and the history behind it

Rights of Mother EarthWhat would you contribute to the Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth?

A question that came up from the participants is who would have coined the phrase mother earth? The discussion noted that Mother Earth is a universally accepted term. One participant provided this statement: I would protect her as a collective and as an individual. I hate the garbage, Timmy cups. I counted 50 cups on the side of the road - we say we are keepers of the land but we turn against her. Others asked questions about acid rain and emissions control and the need to lobby for community level control for air quality.

What kind of protection should be offered at the community level?

Expropriation of Lands

• Chief and Council should not have the right

Tammy Tremblay engages her work group on the topic of “Rights of Mother Earth”. The topic based on theory in South America regarding whether Mother Earth has rights as inhereent as those we grant to people and corporations.

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to expropriate lands from people, unless the community decides we need a business degree to do that. This should only be done for the betterment of the community. Expropriation only happens at a last course when 2 people cannot decide on the issue.

• Right now we have no public swimming areas at Sagamok Point because people are saying that they own the land.

• We need to protect the air, land, water, people and animals, how we do that is an issue. We need management of resources, air, land and species at risk.

• Educating at what is at risk in our area. Outreach

• There are the white people that park their cars at the end to access their cottages. Every year, more and more cars are parked there, this is trespassing. Something needs to be done about this. Non-native and non-members parking at west point since 1950’s and are starting to camp on the land at the west point area. Maybe charging a fee for parking. Are they getting permission to come on the reserve?

• Regulating trespassing on the reserve

• Is there an agreement between cottage holders and Sagamok?

Littering by-law and enforcement

• A big issue – vehicles that are just sitting in people’s backyards. A By-Law that enforces people to keep clean is needed. Example – any vehicle disabled for a year, have to have it removed from their yard. There is a need for more recycling bins and to educate people so they don’t burn garbage.

• Limit the number of trash bags from each household to encourage recycling

• Need curb side pickup for recycling

• Close the landfill and take the garbage off the reserve

How did our ancestors live in harmony with nature and practice land stewardship?

• Land stewardship was inherent; loggers only cut what was needed, Anishnawbek didn’t waste anything they were in tuned with nature.

• My parents talked about back in the day, everybody produced their own produce. I remember as a kid when we had a storage place and used it in the winter (ex. potatoes) and if your neighbor needed something, we shared, even firewood. Families would go out together fishing and cutting wood. My mom had a farm and shared within the family circle, so that everyone had food.

• We shared everything; we had a hole in the field 8 ft. deep that was just used for potatoes.

• They didn’t have plastic, everything was biodegradable

• No packaging like we see today

How can we be better land stewards?

• Education and outreach is needed on our and what to recycle (batteries, chemicals, etc.)

• Composting and gardening

What kind of programs/activities would you like to see to promote land stewardship?

• Change the mindset of the community

• Full moon ceremonies, programs that tie in culture and nature

• Invasive species program

• Teach about DNA and that we are different

• Base activities on seasons – nomadic way of life

• Bylaws, enforcement and outreach to inform community members

• Community garden

• Beautification – best lawn/ yard

• Younger generation, get our kids and youth involved in outdoor activities example : environmentalist clubs, 4-H club

• Landfill site – we need to be educated on how the system works. The land fill needs to be sorted

• Garbage bins at the end of Massey bridge

• Adopt-A-Road initiative

• Earth Week Challenge

• Littering and recycling program

• More blue boxes at public locations (millennium center)

• Limit the boats and ships that travel through our waterways and refuse garbage

Adolphus Toulous, Joclyn Bob and Felix Stoneypoint ponder the plight of communications in Sagamok at Allen’s World Cafe Table.

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Planning Future Sagamok Land Use

What was the driving force for development for future land use in Sagamok?

1850

This was Sagamok’s starting point there really was no infrastructure at this point

1910

There was a great sense of community, farming and even sports at this time

1920/1930

Sagamok handled its own governance

School was built by the community

Community members would cross the river for supplies, using a barge

In the winter months an ice road was used

1940

Road from Massey to Sagamok was built

The Church was built by the community

1950

Community and Sports would bring many First Nations communities together

Pow Wow grounds were used as the Ball Field as well as other social gatherings

Many would travel across the waters and shores from West Bay and Sucker Creek to meet at these grounds - there was a total of 5 baseball teams

Pulp and Logging were big industries

Many used boats to travel across the water to Little Current for shopping

1960/1970

Each road was family oriented

Homes ran on wells (natural springs) and out houses

Government place First Nations in areas with water sources, in hopes to have each reserve become self- sufficient

Infrastructure and Hydro were introduced to the community

Community member started to migrate to areas that were provided with these luxuries

More houses were built along with road development

The first school was build - accommodated student up to Grade 6 then they would have to be bussed out to Massey or Espanola

The original Admin building was Sadie South

wind’s current home

Community development was driven by Government, Churches and Schools

Horses still ran free

Saw Mill provided most of the material Sagamok needed for infrastructure

Community was still dependent on Indian Affairs for other materials brought out of Sault Ste. Marie

First Nations started to apply pressure on the Government to provide Support

The Chief at this time (Wilfred Owl) had identified what a Subdivision means and where it would go - it was determined that the Fort area would be the best land for this infrastructure to begin, the road had to be upgraded

1978

The new Band office was built as well as the Community Hall

Water Towers were built

1980

Biidaaban School was built

Road were upgraded to hard top

Increase in Technical Capacity

Power upgrade

1990

Developed Capital Plan to plan for future growth

More community engagement

Stronger governance

Education Development

Development plans for Subdivision

There was a Boil Water advisory; there was a greater need to improve our water source. Up to this point infrastructure has been driven by

• Population

• Education

• Health

• Government

• The right to keep community members in the community.

The community started to feel like they were not consulted in the development process. Most of these decisions were made and negotiated by the Indian Agency. Sagamok

realized they had to take control of their own Infrastructural needs and began to develop their Community Plan.

The Next expansion of Sagamok’s infrastructure will take place in the next 3-5 years, with the careful consideration of impact on many sources. These sources include

• Water

• Power

• Public Works

• Soil

• Sewage/Waste management

At this time our main concern is: where will the new development take place? Many BCR’s and Traditional Land holdings need to be identified. Land Protest in process at this time to verify if a few suitable areas are available for this future development

Notice to all Sagamok Anishnawbek off-reserve

Band Members,

Sagamok Anishnawbek Membership office is up-dating our mailing list. Can you please email

your current address to toulouse_mitzi@sagamok.ca. Please share/ forward to any family or friends.

If you have any questions, please contact me directly

at 1 (800) 567-2896

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Communication and Engagement

Allen Toulouse hosted the communications table, he asked the participants the following questions and here are the responses

What Sagamok Communications Services do you use?

What is the best means of spreading information in Sagamok?• Electronic• Video Monitors• Door to Door, personal invitation(4)• Newspaper• Posting in Stores and Facebook(3)

• Any means

What kind of Communications services should Sagamok look into next?

• Radio(7)

• Television(3)

• Electronic Billboard(2)

• Streaming Video (3)

• Any and every means of Communication(3)

Did the articles provide you a better understanding about Land Code Development and its importance?

Do you feel Sagamok Communications Services are effective in spreading information?

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Community Wellness Department

By: Shirley Gregorini Community Wellness Department

What is Elder Abuse?

It is a single or repeated acts, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. This definition is provided by the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA).

The various forms of abuse are physical/sexual, psychological and financial. There is also intentional or unintentional neglect.

Financial abuse involves the deceitful use of money or property belonging to an elder. This may include fraudulent behavior, such as forgery, taking mail, or selling of property, taking money or possessions and misuse of power of attorney. Statistics say this is the most common form of Elder abuse.

Financial Abuse Warning Signs:

Financial assets and possessions begin to disappear

Unpaid bills

Elder’s Will gets revised and new beneficiary named

Suspicious granting of power of attorney

Elder makes disclosure

In order to attain necessities, Elder resorts to other means

Physical abuse is the use of or threatened use of force against an elder. This includes, assault, sexual assault, unnecessary physical restraint, physical coercion and medical maltreatment.

Physical Abuse Warning Signs:

Unexplained and frequent injuries

Denying injuries and not seeking medical attention

Injuries in various stages of healing

Refusing community contact

Sudden timidity when in the company of certain persons

Wounds on their scalp

Misuse of medication by Elder being disorientated or groggy

Psychological abuse is the willful humiliation or intimidation or both to an elder. The removal of decision making, non-verbal and verbal abuse, name calling and isolating, emotional deprivation, instilling fear, mental cruelty and the use of threats.

Psychological Abuse Warning Signs:

Depression

Social isolation

Shouting at or degrading Elder

Withdrawal

Contact between victim and Elder lacking emotion

Unexplained nervousness

Neglect is the intentional or unintentional withholding of the physical or psychological necessities, such as food, clothing, housing, medicine, social contact, respect and emotional support.

Neglect Warning Signs:

Malnutrition

Dehydration

Poor personal hygiene

Unchanged bandages

Clothing/living quarters dirty and unkempt

If you notice any of these warning signs in the life of an Elder you know, speak up. You can call your local police or notify a family member who is not the abuser.

Adapted from Elder Abuse Fact Sheet

transitionhouse.ca

Miigwetch and keep our Elders safe!

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Tikaanaagan Program

By: Allen Toulouse

Taking lessons from last year’s Tikaanaagan program , Leroy Bennet, Sagmaok’s Cultural facilitator has expanded the previously one month program to three monthS. The construction of a Tikaanaagan, a traditional Anishnawbek cradleboard, was once common place amongst Ontario’s indigneous people. This baby carrying device had many functions and purposes. For the baby, the moss bag it occupied was tied snuggly to relax the child and simulate the sensation of being the in the womb. The board freed the mother to move about and use her arms while keeping her child close.

In constructing this year’s batch Leroy advocated simplicity to the carvers, “What happens alot is that people get a little too creative and end up biting off more than they could chew.” Even with the aid of modern woodcutting machinery, the carvering and decorating process is time consuming. .Although some of the men in the program were novices in the woodshop, under the tutelage of Bryan Assinewe and Leroy Bennett they are guarrented to reach the end of prorgam in one piece. This year’s Tiikinaagan Program will conclude June 11th.

Andrew Therein, Dennis Trudeau and Pauline Stoneypoint plot out their Tikanaagan designs.

Jeff Agonie shaping out his tikaanaagan.

Leroy Bennett- Eli Toulouse evalute some measurements

Over 110 students from Shawanosowe School, St. Joseph’s School and Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik proudly displayed over 60 exhibits/ booths at the KTEI FNSSP Science Fair on May 15, 2014 at Biidaaban.

“It was easy to see that students were excited to share their projects with students, teachers and judges,” explained numeracy resource teacher Christine Hodgins. “It was evident

Biidaaban Students Celebrate Science!! that students were learning from each other and becoming more invested in their own learning...The students were very excited to display their projects.”

The exhibits were judged on the following criteria; initial visual appeal, demonstration of science knowledge and skills, originality and approach, explanation of project and

Primary Division (Kindergarten to Gr. 3)

• Grade two Shawanosowe student Ira Paibomsai for his “Ironman Ira-Man” exhibit

• Grade three Biidaaban students Ameerah Eshkakogan and Preston Bennett for their “Balloon Magic” exhibit

Junior Division (Gr. 4 - 6)

• Grade four Shawanosowe students Ava Owl and Avery Sutherland for their “Solids into Liquids” exhibit

• Grade four Biidaaban students Jacinta

Biidaaban students crwod around a volcanoe project

Eshkakogan and Cedar Chiblow for their “Is it true?” exhibit

Intermediate Division (Gr. 7 & 8)

• Grade eight Biidaaban student Cecile Eshkawkogan for her “McDonalds Cheeseburger” exhibit

• Grade seven Biidaaban student Grant Stonefish for his “Cutting down landslides” exhibit

• Grade seven Biidaaban students Roman Manitowabi and Jibreel Boukhobza for their “Sim” exhibit

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