RAMA, ONTARIO—Several Manitoulin Island First Nations people have been recognized for their achievements and successes with lifetime achievement awards through the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity. As well, 2023 secondary and post-secondary scholarship award recipients were announced.
Local residents who received lifetime achievement awards included Talon Chin-McGregor of Whitefish River First Nation, the late Joseph Endanawas of Sheshegwaning First Nation, Kevin Mossip of Zhiibaahaasing First Nation and Ferdinand Paibomsai of Whitefish River First Nation.
Jason Restoule of the Anishinabek Nation told the Expositor last week, “The Anishinabek Evening of Excellence began as the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards in 1990. At that time, the goal of the event was to bring awareness to our Anishinabek Nation citizens who have succeeded in various professional endeavours.”
“The idea was to recognize those individuals who have taken us from reservations to First Nations. People who have made a lifetime commitment to improving the quality of life on First Nations through volunteerism, political service, language preservation, health services, social services, personal achievement, cultural practice and those who are survivors of residential schools or who served in the military,” continued Mr. Restoule.
It was explained the Evening of Excellence held October 19 at the Casino Rama Resort brings together close to 300 people annually to recognize deserving Anishinabek citizens who are presented with Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards. “We recognize these people as building blocks to improving the lives of Anishinabek citizens and the Anishinabek Nation as a whole.”
Ferdinand Paibomsai’s nomination states, “A committed and loyal leader, he began his career in carpentry in 1966. He learned from his mentors about what it took to build quality homes from the foundation up for his community of Whitefish River First Nation. He went on to work on many projects within the community including the construction and renovation of residential buildings as well as numerous administration buildings.”
“Loving the trade, he wanted to teach and mentor others. Many women in the community joined a ‘Women in Carpentry’ project where (Mr. Paibomsai) was able to mentor and transfer his knowledge. To this day there are still a few of these women who work in the trade of carpentry.”
“As though the literal building of the community wasn’t enough, he wanted to give back in other ways as well. Learning from his best friend and mentor, he was taught the art and responsibility of becoming a cross and rough box maker for his community. In memory of the person who passed, he takes his time and creates a unique cross for the family. An important part of the grieving process.”
“He has since hung up the hammer, but still continues to work with wood, carving and making wooden bowls through his small business, From the Wood Pile.”
“Recognized in his community as living the good life, Mr. Paibomsai has been presented with the (WRFN) 7 Grandfathers Award. He is a respected elder and lives his life demonstrating kindness and helping others when he can.”
The nomination letter for Kevin Mossip read at the awards celebration states, “After initially being elected as a deputy band councillor in 1995, he has been elected to and has continued as a band councillor for the past 28 years. His hard work and dedication to his community is unmatched, working tirelessly in several roles throughout the years in order to help build his community, almost literally, from the ground up.”
“From his start in the finance department, Mr. Mossip) found himself being part of many projects throughout the years and is still going strong to this day.”
“He has gained extensive knowledge over the years, having a hand in several projects, such as the Robinson Huron Treaty, wind farm, Manitoulin Hotel project, $10 million tourism project, economic and housing projects, to name a few. He has also campaigned on governance issues as well as for the Anishinabek education system.”
“Through all this he has also served as a board member for Waubetek Business Development Corporation for 15 years,” the nomination letter reads. “He is always available to help whenever called upon to share his knowledge and expertise wherever it’s needed. He is dedicated to his community and the future of Zhiibaahaasing First Nation.”
In receiving his lifetime achievement award at the ceremony it was stated in the nomination letter for Talon Chin-McGregor, “Whitefish River First Nation is known for honouring the people of their land who have served their community with strong cultural awareness, ethics, and pride. Talon is a great example of this.”
“A graduate of the nursing program at Cambrian College, his career choice was to become a community helper. After gaining knowledge as a long-term care nurse, he is now fulfilling his role as his community’s health nurse. He is paving the way for young Anishinaabe men who are considering a career in nursing in addition to being a role model for those who have an interest in giving back to their community.”
“He has recently added to his role within his community as he was elected as a band councillor. In this role he is committed to expanding his knowledge and his service to his community.”
“Recently Talon was deemed a hero as he was dining in a local restaurant. A young two-year-old boy was choking to the point of unconsciousness and without hesitation Talon stepped in and administered life-saving efforts, helping the child to regain consciousness. A true act of selfless courage in a time of crisis.”
“The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the late Joseph Endanawas (posthumously) for all his efforts over the years.”
“From serving in the US Army to being Chief of his community, he accomplished so much during his lifetime and touched so many lives along the way. He was known as an Indigenous advocate and well respected elder, keeping his culture at the forefront in the work that he did throughout his lifetime. A strong advocate for language preservation, he received accolades for his role as a knowledge keeper of traditional teachings.”
For Mr. Endanawas, “The importance of education for Anishinaabe children was a guiding force throughout his life, leading him to many roles in the area, supporting the movement from Indigenous rights and education.”
“His presence was felt at the countless meetings and functions he participated in over the years, always helping to continue the work for the betterment of our First Nation communities,” read his nomination letter.
“His distinguished service has been an inspiration to many. He was a true Anishinaabe warrior.”
“We would like to say Chi-Miigwech to the late Joseph Endanawas of Sheshegwaning First Nation for his unwavering dedication to his community and the Anishinabek Nation as a whole.”
The Anishinabek Nation also recognizes the academic achievements of Anishinaabe youth at this event. In 2005, a new component of the evening of excellence was introduced. Through some key partnerships the AN7GC was able to establish the Anishinabek Student Excellence Awards. Each year four to five Anishinaabe students are selected to receive a scholarship celebrating their post-secondary academic excellence and community involvement. Each student receives an all-expense paid invitation to the event where they are presented with an Anishinabek Student Excellence Award Scholarship.
Those locally who received Anishinabek Student Excellence Awards were Nicole Abotossaway of Aundeck Omni Kaning and Cheryl Recollet of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Ms. Abotossaway also received an Educator Excellence Award.
