Thursday, March 20 – In a collaborative effort between the Family & Community Support, IT & Communications, and Education departments, Sagamok’s youth were invited to a full-day of learning and inspiration within the community.
Mr. Maracle’s Grade 8 class, as well as students from Espanola High School, started their day by joining together with Elders, invited guests, and community members to attend the Headdress Ceremony in honour of Gimaa Angus Toulouse. Each of the Ceremony’s appointed speakers had an important message to share with the youth. Honoured guest, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, reminded the youth that they are the next generation of leaders, and encouraged them to take up the responsibility of being in service to their community. Gimaa Toulouse built on this encouragement, saying:
“There is a wealth of knowledge and information, volumes of research that is available for you to continue the understanding of our history, our ceremonies, and who we are as Anishinaabe people, and the fight that still needs to take place in ensuring the Crown upholds its Treaty obligations.” He went on to talk passionately about the value of reviving the Anishinaabemowin language, adding, “We need to take the time so you, our young people, have the opportunity to hear, and to learn Anishinaabemowin. That is what it takes – to hear the language spoken. We need to bring it back.”
Gimaa Toulouse expressed, with great sincerity, the sentiment that Indigenous people need to be recognized and be able to share our ways without the restrictions of colonial government. He encourages community members to help youth become knowledgeable in as much of Sagamok’s history as possible, as well as the traditions of Anishinaabe people.
The students received inspirational messaging from several additional speakers, including Cheyenne Kitchikake, who currently holds the responsibility of carrying the Eagle Staff that represents Canada’s 634 First Nations, and Sagamok Councillors Leroy Bennett and Michael Abitong. Leroy shared his sentiments on Anishinaabe culture with the young Sagamonians, saying, “We have learned to fear our own way. But they are outdated fears.” He encourages the youth to be proud of their culture, history, language, and practices and to keep learning about themselves. Leroy also explained the significance of the anungoos waabowaan (blanket) the Chief was wrapped in during the Headdress Ceremony, citing that there are in fact 8blankets that are received during a lifespan; the first is wrapped around you when you are born, and the eighth when one passes on to the next life. He shared, “It is up to us, especially our youth, to continue our traditions, as they will be filling our shoes, and they need to learn about being Anishinaabe.”
In a similar sentiment, Cheyenne said, "So get off your phones, go listen to Gimaa, to the Elders; they will tell you stories." He explained the significance of the cylinder that holds the Headdress (when it is not being worn by Gimaa), and the symbolism that goes into the artwork that adorns the carrier. Of the Headdress itself, Cheyenne shares that it is a heavyweight to carry sometimes; a reminder of how heavy it is to carry the role as Chief, as leader. He went on to explain to the youth how his role came to be, the struggles one encounters on their own life path; the uncertainties, the questions, the doubts, but also that there are always community members, family, and friends to support and help direct us on our path.
Following a hearty community feast to honour the Chief’s Headdress Ceremony, Michael Abitong welcomed the youth back for the afternoon session. The goal was to provide youth with information and inspiration about various fields of employment, skill development, and higher education. Michael urged the group to sit close to the front and to each other, with the reminder, “We are all family here.” Michael asked the youth to consider, “After you graduate Grade 8 or Grade 12, there’s new paths. We need you to be educators, employees, representatives in your community, right here in Sagamok. Would you come home to provide these services?”
The conference was opened in a good way, with a smudging by Wayne Southwind and a drum song by the Young Warriors. Director of Education, Vance McPherson, provided a welcome to the group. He stressed that those working in Sagamok’s Education Unit are here to support all Sagamonians in their educational journey, regardless of their age or their path. Students are encouraged to ask questions and seek support, even if – or perhaps especially if – they are unsure of what the next step is for their education. Vance also emphasized “don’t let the construction taking place out front of the Life-Long Learning Centre fool you, we are open and operational to help you whether you’re 14 or 94 and we are happy to help you reach your full potential.”
We were very lucky to have Jonathan Boyer-Nolan with us as the afternoon’s emcee and keynote speaker. Jonathan has a positive, uplifting spirit, evidenced in the way he used enthusiasm – and at times, humour – to engage Sagamok’s youth! Jonathan shared with the students his own personal story and education path, recounting numerous twists and turns throughout his youth and into his twenties. He recounted how he did not follow in his Father’s or Grandfather’s path as Fire Chief and the tough times growing up in Garden River/Mississauga First Nation. “I had to learn the journey of feeling some pains, some hurts—go through tough times of addictions and mental health issues—it's okay to feel it and go through it, but don’t ever stay there. Get back to who you want to be and who you were meant to be.”
Jonathan added, “the healing journey is heavy work. There’s no direct path from point A to point B, so get a little uncomfortable, get a little unsettled, and take a step.” This was a common sentiment from all of the guest speakers: Just keep trying things until you find what really clicks for you. Jonathan offered the knowledge that “the door will be open, there’s always a way to get where you want, and it’s gonna work out. You may not know exactly where you want to go, just keep the door open and reach for [your dream].” He reinforced with the youth that it is important that when we walk around, we need to stand up tall, proud, not hunched over because, as our grandparents said, you can bump your head or run into a bear! So, stand tall, rise up proudly, and let’s set ourselves and our goals high.
Other sessions included:
· A skit and survey, presented by IT & Communications Director, Sean Cassidy, and Communications Supervisor, Jacqueline Craig, aimed at building an understanding about which communication channels will most effectively engage youth.
· Career profiles from Sagamok HR Generalist, Anton Manitowabi, and Valerie Graham, Senior Finance Analyst. Anton focused on the way he was able to pivot his career from healthcare to administration, finding common ground in his desire to help people. He received strong support from Sagamok to pursue credentials in HR. Valerie similarly highlighted how she’s been able to build a career she never thought possible in part because of Sagamok’s support of furthering her education as a finance professional, as well as finding of balance between her work and family life.
· An overview of the services and support available locally at Sagamok’s Life-Long Learning Centre (LLLC),presented by Guidance & Career Coaches Edie Fairburn and Tracey Stoneypoint, with a focus on upcoming summer job applications, resume-building, and creating an education/career path based on one’s interests. All are welcome to come to the LLLC’s new location at 717 Sagamok Road to learn more about programs and employment opportunities, access computer labs and funding opportunities, and get support from on-site teachers and coaches.
The common message shared by all speakers was that their path never travelled a straight line. It was a zig-zagging path, just like the course of a river. And not to despair -- you too can find your own path, the one meant only for you, for it is only you walking your path, no one else can ever walk the same path as you.
It was an impactful day of learning outside of the classroom for Sagamok’s youth and was encouraging to hear that most of the students in the room were planning to join the summer jobs program, and inspiring to hear some of their education and/or career dreams – including Midwifery, Doctor, Culinary Arts/Baker, General Carpentry, Engineer, Game Warden, Mechanic, Political Leadership, and Infrastructure and Planning/Development.
It is this type of dynamic, outside-of-the-box learning and engagement that makes Sagamok a special place for students. Miigwech to everyone who contributed to planning and facilitating the Igniting Youth in Education Conference. We hope it is the first of many, with future events bringing together more Sagamok Departments and community partners to ensure that Sagamok youth have access to the role-models and resources they need to create meaningful pathways for their education, and their life.
