M’CHIGEENG—Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services (KGCFS) held its annual Youth Conference the first weekend in March. This year’s theme was ‘E-zhi-zhitoong akiing wiinakiig’ meaning ‘Keeping connected to the land and culture’ and provided a host of activities intended to engage the interests of all those taking part.
This is a closed event to protect the privacy of youth taking part, but Jessica Orr, communications and media specialist at KGCFS, shared with The Expositor the weekend’s scheduled events. “The three-day conference commences with an opening smudge and prayer followed by a feast. Youth will then have an opportunity to create their own ribbon shirts and ribbon skirts, followed by movie night.”
There were different workshops throughout the weekend from which the youth could choose. The Youth Advisory Council put together a land-based scavenger hunt; there was beading and sewing, and Alex Bisson shared the Creation Story. Teachings on Fire Bundles and Medicine Bundles were provided by Nimkii Lavell, and there were many outdoor activities to keep the youth active and engaged.
KGCFS’ mandate is to serve the First Nations communities of Sudbury and Manitoulin Island with programs and activities designed to preserve and protect, to nourish and maintain the dignity and integrity of the Anishinabek family system. The KGCFS Youth Conference was held for youth ages 14 to 24 and takes place each year, alternating between Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) and Sudbury, allowing for all First Nations communities served by KGCFS to join in.
