by Gina Gasongi Simon
MARKHAM—How fitting the world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Island, pronounced “Mnidoo Mnising” meaning ‘Island of the Great Spirit’ and home to the birth of the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) is featured on LNHL All-Star medals.
For executive members of the LNHL, the logo is more than a mere marketing symbol, it has its own rich story to tell as well. This year’s medals have to be one of the most iconic and recognizable throughout the years.
Back in 1972, the original and first crest design depicted a warrior with a headdress and a couple of hockey sticks in the background. Today, it has gone through major change.
Although the current design depicts one lone hockey player with the Island in the background, we all know “no one is an island” at the LNHL. To those present they could attest to that fact, it was “standing room only.” As Jim McGregor said, “We would have never believed it would become this big. I am proud of everyone who came to play and everyone who helped make it a dream come true.”
Behind the scenes are so many that it is impossible to acknowledge and thank them for all their hard work and dedication.
An original founding member from Aundeck Omni Kaning, Earl “Shrug” Abotossway (baa) was with the tournament since the beginning. Earl and his family were one of many who billeted teams from other First Nations. “I remember he billeted players from Moose Factory and Earl figured a television would really impress these boys but we soon discovered they were more fascinated seeing a horse for the first time,” Pat Madahbee recalls.
For Earl it was more than just a gathering, his intent was for it to be educational and to highlight and show the many different cultural aspects in addition to the recreational side. His vision has come to light as various languages, lifestyles and backgrounds are gathered today in the spirit of friendship.
The late James “Jim” Debassige, a long time M’Chigeeng chief, was motivated to make a positive change in his community. Jim’s vision to bring respect to the forefront was spurred on by some youth vandalism. He understood the merits of keeping youth busy and active. Back in the early 1970s he was a moving force behind the first summer hockey school and invited NHL star Randy Carlyle to run the program at their new M’Chigeeng arena.
Together these men, along with fellow founding members Norman Debassige (baa), Rev. Len Self (baa) and former Chief Jim McGregor rooted themselves in a belief that sports is a simple way to teach many lessons about life and living.
Executive member Marian Jacko was looking for a way to honour these founding members. While she and acting president Chico Ralf were checking on other paraphernalia in production by Nothers for the 50th anniversary, she had an epiphany moment. It was then she asked, “Any chance you guys can replicate Manitoulin Island and incorporate it into a medal design?” To that they responded positively. She showed them an image and the result was a medal that truly reflected the origins of the LNHL.
“It’s moments like this,” says Chico “where you see the wealth and value of younger minds and ideas to keep the momentum and memories growing.”
Each winning team participant was presented with the unique Mnidoo Mnising LNHL medal. “It was fantastic,” exclaimed Mr. Madahbee. “The quality and appearance were remarkable. We have been doing business with this company for years, all our novelties, rings, plaques, they all are meant to create a memory.”
The reverse of the medals was engraved with the three founding First Nation communities: Aundeck Omni Kaning, M’Chigeeng First Nation and Whitefish River First Nation.
On behalf of all the medal recipients, the LNHL committee is grateful for the generosity of the NHLPA (Player’s Association). “Their purpose is to support diversity in the sport, and that is synonymous with the LNHL,” Mr. Ralf explains. He also gave kudos to the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation which provides funds that align with sports and recreation, health, arts and culture.
Another gift from Mnidoo Mnising was this year’s water theme. It was back in the spring of 2011 when Elder Josephine Mandamin (baa) and other Mother Earth Water Walkers from all directions across North America combined water from the Great Lakes and copper pails containing salt water from the three oceans and the Gulf of Mexico to raise awareness that water is a sacred gift of the Creator and the source of all life on Mother Earth.
50 years later Water and the spirit of water (niibi) made a strong presence as folks were asked to reflect on its gift of life and to preserve its sacredness. Towering over the tallest buildings in Markham was Manitoulin Island, lit up in all its glory for those far and wide to wonder about its beauty and its sacred teachings distilled over thousands of years.
