M’CHIGEENG—Manitoulin Secondary School was the place for some fun learning on Saturday, March 1. Noojmowin Teg’s annual Good Life Youth Conference centered its elemental theme on ‘Getting Dirty, Getting Grounded.’ It was a popular theme for those in attendance.
Clarice Pangowish (Niibin) opened the conference with prayer in Anishinaabemowin. “I will be remembering all that’s on Earth, and expressing gratitude,” Niibin explained before she began her prayer, “because the wood has provided shelter for us, the water helps our body function properly.”
Neil Debassige, the keynote speaker of the conference, began by having the youngest participants sit right up front to keep them engaged, and it worked. “For those of you who don’t know,” he said at the start, “I’m famous. I mean on Manitoulin Island. And there’s a reason for that, not only was I a teacher and a principal—but I’m not going to talk about that today—I have a TV show, Fuel the Fire, and that TV show is all about hunting and fishing.” Born and raised on Manitoulin Island, Mr. Debassige shared his love for being outdoors—all the time. His presentation had clips from his show, but he also spoke of food insecurity.
Mr. Debassige’s focus was to get the young people involved with knowing where their food comes from and, if possible, taking part in acquiring and preparing the food they eat. “The emotional connection to food through family and harvest, exposing our young to where food comes from is essential,” he said.
A great deal of time was spent on the various calls used by hunters to lure their prey. The kids enjoyed taking part in that activity, as well as clashing the horns of bucks and moose. Mr. Debassige’s message was very well received. He was also available throughout the day for kids to come to his interactive table, to ask questions and to learn more about how the land is key to food sovereignty.
Encouraging the youth to try all the workshops, activities and demonstrations was the passport given to each participant at registration. They were to have each activity leader sign their passports and then they could enter the door prizes at the end of the day.
Renowned potter Wayne Malleau allowed anyone who wished to get their hands dirty designing pots. Equal amounts of clay were handed out and all were invited to be creative. Mr. Malleau had some of his beautiful pieces on display, a whole collection made of Manitoulin clay. “Is this Manitioulin clay?” one of the parents asked. “No,” Mr. Malleau said, explaining that for every successful piece he creates with Manitoulin clay, several more explode in the kiln. “I don’t want anyone here to have their piece explode. Though it is a possibility, it’s less likely with this clay,” he said. Everyone left their name and phone number with their creations and Mr. Malleau will fire them, glaze them, then fire them again, and Given Cortes will make sure the pieces get to their rightful creator.
After a delicious lunch provided by Candice Corbiere and her daughters, Willow and Gabby, Denise Graham had everyone playing Nutrition BINGO. Instead of B-52, or G-3, there were food groups, and different foods called. With each food called out, Ms. Graham gave a bit of information about the food and its benefits.
Lynzii Taibossigai ran a workshop with BEAM Paints. She showed everyone how to paint a turtle, and the result was an amazing display of individuality and creativity. Seed planting with River Camin of Three Forks Farm, archery and badminton, trapper skills with Greg Young, animal print crafts with Ann Cummings, and Jonn Naveau and Niibin shared traditional teachings in the Three Fires Lounge. Throughout the main foyer, information tables with giveaways from Mnaamodzawin Health Services, M’Chigeeng Youth Program, Kenjgewin Teg were set up, providing interesting things to see and do.
The day ended with Mike Laende, of Manitoulin Tree Services, showing some chainsaw safety (or the importance of proper chainsaw pants as opposed to working in jeans). He also showed the kids how he climbs trees in his work, with harnesses and pullies, and had the kids help him climb to the ceiling of the gym. A most popular end of the day activity.
Niibin concluded the day’s events with a closing prayer and prizes were won for those completed passports. Grayson Gilchrist won the coveted fire pit, but all the kids won something, making it a memorable conference.
Wellness Promoter and organizer of the event, Given Cortes, with the help of many Noojmowin team members, made sure all activities and events ran smoothly. Seeds were planted at this Earth-themed conference, let’s keep them nourished and growing.
by Margery Frisch
