If there was a way to describe the drive to the Fall Harvest grounds, one might call it the ‘road less travelled’. Based on the washboard-y, loose gravel-y, winding road with vistas of giant pines and cascading waterways, and massive logging trucks you need to dodge since they seem to take their fair share of the road, it was not too common that we came upon another vehicle. The road may not be a major thoroughfare, but when it comes to Sagamonians and reaching Fall Harvest grounds, this ‘secret’ roadway is a lifeline to a way of life both treasured and necessary for sustainability.
Our journey took us midway through Fall Harvest week that finds Members of Sagamok communed with trailers, prospector tents, and camping gear, gathering as a community by Turtle Rattle Shaker Lake, the traditional fall harvest grounds founded by Paul Eshkakogan. The previous gathering site was deemed to be an unsafe and impractical place to gather due to proximity to the logging road. These current harvest grounds have been wholeheartedly developed and maintained for community members’ enjoyment by many hard workers including Yvan Toulouse, son of Margaret, after whom the lake is named. Former Chief, Alan Ozawanimki, commemorated the current grounds in remembrance of Yvan for his tremendous help and devotion to making the new site into what everyone enjoys today.
The 1.5-hour drive offered an air of solitude and an inhalation of freedom the further we ventured. It provided a feeling of travelling into another world, away from everyday life, and into a world where community bands together- a large family reunion of sorts – a return to natural roots. There were signs that showed the way, not referring to moose track, but for the most part it was a sort of guiding spirit that led us on this path of personal exploration, of learning about people and practices at this annual event held early October when the fish, plants, and wildlife are in abundance, and ready to offer sustenance in preparation for the winter ahead.
Upon arriving at the grounds, a much-needed porta potty was handily placed at the entrance adjacent to the mess tent and adjoining building that housed the kitchen and covered food preparation/serving area. Breakfast was ready! Oh yeah, your dishes, your responsibility to wash them up!
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Margaret was the first person to greet us, and we immediately felt welcomed and invited into the gathering. Everyone we met was proud to show us what they were accomplishing there, what their role at the harvest was – not everyone was there to be the hunter/gatherer – but everyone was there to offer their own special gifts and talents, and everyone had a purpose; a necessary job and one that they were uniquely chosen for according to their skills. The trails around the camp are bush trails; hard packed by the trucks and campers travelling in to set up in familial villages, and by the quads that toured around, piloted by capable young children clad in warm, comfortable clothing. The land consists of wild grasses, staghorn sumac, ferns and foliage, some of which were gathered and made into a cup of tea to be savored later on as the day got cooler and windier. Miigwech, Wayne, for sharing knowledge on how to identify, harvest, and brew Labrador tea!
The lake that followed beside us wherever we moved lined the entire campground and sparkled vigorously all day long as the sun provided its presence, its warmth, its light. The bush was visible on all sides, surrounding us like an old friend, beckoning us to embark on an expedition by canoe in the inland lakes, and to bask in the sounds of birds, animals, laughter, and conversation around campfires. The gentle hum of peacefulness was all around while people created handmade crafts: some worked together on ribbon skirts or quill art on birch squares, while others learned basket weaving with Elders and one group was hand sewing winter mitts from deer hide and trimming them in muskrat fur. The simplicity of enjoying each other’s company around a warm campfire is shared with anyone who pulls up a stump of wood to sit on.
The Voyageur canoe was stationed near the entrance area, ready to be launched at Russian Lake with the school children present that day. It was set to embark on a journey to deliver the experience of what it means to work together for the good of all - by paddling in unison as a group of 12 or more in one vessel - helping each other reach the desired destination.
Pickup trucks towing heavy trailers delivered the freshly harvested moose to the grounds for everyone to see, touch, admire and give gratitude for. The moose meat will nourish the community and the other parts like the hide and sinew also serve a purpose; nothing wasted. While the weather was too warm to hang the moose on site, everyone present had a chance to greet the successful hunters and marvel in awe at the sheer size of this magnificent animal before it was promptly delivered to the butcher.
One knew when lunch was ready by the sudden entourage of people heading in the direction of the dining tent. Hot corn soup and scones, salt pork, vegetables, dessert and warm drinks were served up. And only a few short hours later, the great Feast was served to commemorate the newly sworn in Chief and Council. The cooking crew worked like busy bees from sunup to sundown.
After lunch, many returned to the quiet of their family’s campsite as quickly as they had emerged. People gathered in conversation around their fires, and a group of young paddlers travelled down the path with their teacher to a hidden lake (Russian Lake) just behind the camping grounds. They received lessons on safety measures, how to unload the canoes from the trailer, and how to test their life preservers for proper fit and function. Very similar to times-gone-by and great teaching to have and experience in the wilderness.
Bags of freshly caught fish appeared on the scene throughout the day, and a goose provided an opportunity for children to learn, in a hands-on way, how to process the bird. Tripod drying racks were constructed by young people with guidance from more seasoned adults onsite to be used for smoking the harvested meat and fish, and lessons on orienteering were also offered using natural elements like sticks or leaves to measure distances travelled and identifying landmarks.
By 3:00 PM a mass movement of community members made their way to the shoreline of Mzhiikenh Zhiishiigwan to take part in witnessing the Official Welcoming Ceremony for the newly elected Chief & Council. This provided a beautiful backdrop for the procession, albeit quite cool and windy as the service went on. It was a special day, including a visit from Cheyenne Kitchikake of Wikwemikong, who travels across the country with the Eagle Staff of the Assembly of First Nations, to special events like this. Lawrence Solomon, responsible for the Sagamok Staff, offered knowledge on the significance, the making, and the history of the community staff. The sacred pipe ceremony was conducted by Cultural Resource Worker, Wayne Southwind, and the adornment of a new Eagle Feather to Gimaa Angus Toulouse’s headdress, signified his new appointment as re-elected Chief of Z’gamok. An eagle was spotted flying above while this ceremony was taking place! When speaking with Wayne about the significance of the eagle flying overhead, his explanation included the following. He shared that Eagle always makes his presence at special ceremonies such as this to bless the group that is present. Eagle circles over the people, offers his blessing and flies away to carry the message to Creator that he is thankful for everything being done respectfully and is happy that things are being done in a proper manner. Following each councilor’s Oath of Office, Wayne presented them with an Eagle Feather and braid of sweet grass to help guide them in their service to the community. The Young Warrior drumming group provided beautiful songs and sounds throughout the event to celebrate the special ceremony. All were welcome to join a receiving line to congratulate the new Chief & Council members personally and offer best wishes and encouragement for their service to the community they were about to embark on.
As the day led into evening, a community feast to cap off the welcoming ceremony was offered to all who wished to join and undoubtedly enjoyed by everyone present. Laughter, lessons, conversation, togetherness, plenty of food, at one with nature’s bounty; what more is necessary to conclude a meaningful day at Fall Harvest.
