by Peter Benji Nahwegahbo
AUNDECK OMNI KANING—Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) First Nation celebrated International Women’s Day by remembering the past, honoring the present and looking to the future on Friday, March 8. The night’s celebration was successful with over 80 women attending the evening’s festivities and were treated to a supper catered by Denise Callaghan and the Anchor Inn.
The night started with the In Memoriam Wall where guests were invited to write the name of a woman who had passed on to honour their memory and contributions to the AOK First Nation.
The highlight of the evening was the “wrapping” of a star blanket to honour five elders and five AOK staff members for their contributions and dedication to the community. The five women elders honoured were Georgina Nahwegahbow, Shirley Abotossaway, Gladys King, Elizabeth Esquimaux and Joyce Madahbee.
The next to be honoured were five staff members who contributed over 100 years of service and commitment to the health and well-being of the AOK community. The five staff members “wrapped” were Kathy Bebamash, Shirley Corbiere, Fran McGraw-Owl, Debbie Shawana and Carlene Assinewai who was unable to attend the ceremony.
The night’s convenor Joanne Audette, Family Well Being Program Worker, was pleased with the participation by the guests with the games and the overall attendance and response.
