M’CHIGEENG—Tenants are now being accepted for the new Elders’ Centre in M’Chigeeng as the structure and grounds are near completion. There are only minor adjustments to be made to the inside of the building and landscaping is underway. Situated on Spring Bay Road, the building, designed by architecture firm Perry and Perry, boasts 10 two-bedroom units, a large kitchen and dining area as well as the Anishinaabemowin Gamig (Elders’ Language Activity Centre).
Each apartment is equipped with a fridge and stove, satellite television and hookups for apartment-sized washers and dryers. The rent for the units is $650 a month with heat and hydro paid and are available for any band member over the age of 50. The units are large and bright and feature a deck area with plenty of room for chairs and a barbecue. There is also a carport extending the length of the building, meaning that no one will have to shovel snow off of their vehicle.
Nancy Debassige is a tenant of the new centre and is delighted with the move she made. “I love my apartment,” she said, “I like the security of it. I feel really safe, and there is always something going on, quilt shops, cooking. It is a really busy place. And we are going to start a language class on Tuesday evening.”
Ms. Debassige, a retired teacher, is going to be leading the course which jives with M’Chigeeng First Nation’s mandates.
Anishinaabemowin Gamig is a not-for-profit corporation which seeks to uphold the language and culture of the Anishinabek people of M’Chigeeng First Nation and recognizes the importance of the elders in the community in order to achieve these goals. Previously, members of the organization were in cramped quarters since 2008 and were pleased to make the move to the new building and carry on their many activities including the making of quilts, wreaths and shawls, the braiding of rugs, workshops, crafts, brunches and dinners. As Corrina (Missy) Corbiere, the Anishinaabemowin Gamig co-ordinator explained, this organization pairs with the M’Chigeeng Wellness Centre once a month to host an elder birthday dinner. She also noted that the tenants in the building come down for the dinner and also get involved in the Elders Language Activity Centre.
Anishinaabemowin Gamig is funded and expenses maintained from ongoing fundraising events, but monies are also donated to others. The organization’s steering committee was pleased to present a cheque for $1,000 at a supper held at the new building September 18 to Jolene Courtemanche, a M’Chigeeng band member living in Espanola, who is fundraising for a wheelchair accessible van with lift. “As you all know,” steering committee chairperson Grace Fox said, “we are always fundraising and the steering committee is pleased to make this donation to Jolene.”
There are apartments still available at the new elders building. For more information, call Ms. Corbiere at 705-377-5676.
