WIIKWEMKOONG—In a solemn ceremony sponsored by the Wikwemikong Drum Committee held during the Wiikwemkoong 57th Annual Cultural Festival two exceptional community volunteers were presented with eagle feathers in honour of their years of contributions to the support of bereaved families in the community.
Elder Henry Eshkibok presented the feathers to Donnie Maiangowi and Steven George in a ceremony followed by a community honour song in which dancers processed around the arena to honour the duo for their work with bereaved families.
On hand for the occasion were Island funeral directors Tony and Gloria Dickson of Little Current and retired funeral director Doug Tracy who spoke on the positive impact the two volunteers have had during their many years of unpaid service to those who have lost a loved one.
“It is an honour to be here to honour these men for all that they do,” said Ms. Dickson. “Both go above and beyond for the families they help.”
“It was totally unexpected,” said Mr. George. “They just told me that they were honouring volunteers at the powwow and that I was to show up.”
Instead of standing in a large anonymous group of community volunteers, however, Mr. George and his compatriot Mr. Maiangowi found themselves uncharacteristically the centre of a great deal of attention as the community honoured them for their work in supporting people during some of the most traumatic times of their lives.
Mr. George said he was deeply honoured by the recognition. In addition to his work with the bereaved, Mr. George is also a community historian and is very active with Wikwemikong Heritage Organization and its Anishnabemowin elders advisory group.
During the presentation, Mr. Eshkibok reminded the recipients of the key tenets of the eagle feather teachings, to follow the teaching of the Seven Grandfathers and to walk with wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth in all that they do.
