WIKWEMIKONG—Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services held a Cultural Day recently in Wikwemikong, encouraging Island families to come out and learn traditional teachings from elders.
“The event went very well,” coordinator Jim Fox told The Expositor. “We were pleased with the turn out—it was more than what we had expected. We offered several workshops on a variety of backgrounds and topics.”
The day was themed ‘Nepaap Ji-Nsastaming Edming Bimaadzawin (bringing back the understanding on the good life with the teachings of our elders),’ and included workshops on the seven stages of life; rites of passage’ with Dr. Edna Manitowabi; the female role with Rhonda Hopkins; the male role with Michael Bisson; grandparents roles with Stanley and Sharla Peltier; the role of a hunter with Harvey Bell Jr.; relationship roles with Ron and Gloria McGregor; Anishinabemowin language with Evelyn Roy and Leona Nahwegahbow; band membership with Jean Oshkabewisens; fasting with Geesohns Manitowabi and Michael Bisson; parental roles with Frank and Julie Ozawagosh; two spirited people by Terri Pitfield and Barb Erskine; and cedar baths with Dr. Liza Mosher.
There were also children’s activities throughout the day such as traditional beading and the day concluded with a mini powwow and prize give-away.
“It was a lot of planning—we’ve been working on it since July,” said Mr. Fox. “Our goal was to bring families together and rekindle older traditional values and I think we accomplished that.”
