AUNDECK OMNI KANING—The Creator once again blessed the Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) traditional powwow with some beautiful weather, as well as caterpillar free grounds, on Saturday as the community gathered to pay tribute to one of their own—newly retired Union of Ontario Indians Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, who today (Wednesday, June 6) relinquishes his title to a new leader as chosen by the chiefs of the Anishinabek Nation.
Following the Saturday grand entry, AOK Chief Patsy Corbiere welcomed everyone to the powwow and thanked the community, especially the powwow committee, for putting together another exemplary event.
She also called her brother and Grand Council Chief, Patrick Madahbee, to the arena, giving him a “chi-miigwetch for all his years of service to the Anishinabek Nation.”
Grand Council Chief Madahbee was then gifted with an eagle feather by Arena Director Robert Stoneypoint followed by an honour song in which Chief Madahbee led a procession once around the powwow arena, holding his eagle feather high.
“This was a pleasant surprise,” Chief Madahbee said following the honour song.
He explained that he was just finishing his last few days of official duty and would be leaving that afternoon for Fort William.
“I will hand over my bonnet at a sunrise ceremony Wednesday morning after 46 years of public service,” the grand council chief explained. “Having worked for the Anishinabek all these years, I’m financially set, as long as I die next Thursday,” he laughed, showcasing his well-known jokester side.
On a more serious note, Chief Madahbee said, “It’s been an honour to serve our people.”
He shared the story of a young man from the Anishinabek Nation who moved west and was beaten up so badly he became a quadriplegic and was left to languish in a British Columbia hospital. The family could not afford the costs of getting him home. The Anishinabek Nation heard his story and got involved, raising the funds needed to bring him back to his home community and get the care he needed.
“Meeting with ministers isn’t as important as helping the people,” he added.
“It’s been a good journey,” Grand Council Chief Madahbee said, thanking his home community of AOK.
“After 46 years, it’s time to retire,” the chief continued, noting that between he and deputy grand chief Glen hare, they put over three million kilometres on their vehicle. “I’m tired of living in cars, boardrooms and hotel rooms—it’s time to come home.”
