2023 GIISOG CALENDAR Honouring the Ancient Beings of our Natural World Celebrating 25 years
Conversation with Mitigook I am out for my walk this afternoon. I will walk as far as I can, thinking about everything. I love to look around in nature. I stop halfway up the hill and look at the trees. I see the age in them. I see the environmental effects on them. I ask them, do you have your aging process too? Do you drop your seeds for the next generation to come? Have I looked carefully to see where they are and who they are? When you drop your seeds, do you place your knowledge in them? Do you place your wisdom in them? When you place your knowledge and the wisdom in your seed, do you let them know they will be growing in a different era than you did and with different environmental effects than you did? Will their roots be grounded deep into the ground as yours were? Will they hold the earth together as you did? Will they lift our prayers and honour our breath Creator gave us as you did? These are my thoughts today as I stand amongst you, as I look at you rest stand sleeping through the winter cold. I say Miigwech to all of you. I pray and hope that we look at our generations as two legged in this way. To the next generations to come, I leave the seed of knowledge for those younger ones so that they can follow the path and be grounded and deep rooted as our Anishnaabe ancestors. I face the Eastern direction of new life and say Miigwech. Who are those ones? Who are the Grandmothers and Grandfathers of the Earth, Shkagamik-Kwe, those ancient beings who’ve been here since the time of Creation, that hold space and time? We often hear the words time immemorial in gatherings and in speeches, and those ones who have been a part of the backbone, the spine, of our mother, are the ones that hold that true definition of time immemorial. Looking at the mountains, those great beings, who are our Grandfathers and our Grandmothers, they hold our stories, they hold the wisdom, they have watched life come and go. In our teachings, we are always told that we as Anishinaabe people, in everything that we do, in the decisions that we make, the way that we live our life, how we move through this life, we need to look seven generations into the future. We’re always told to acknowledge where it is that we have come from and those ones who have before us. So, we are wanting to look back and celebrate and acknowledge those beings that have been here for time immemorial, celebrating the rock nation, the bones of our mother, the tree nations, the lungs of our mother, and those root systems, the roots of our trees, so that when we look ahead into the future and we look ahead seven generations, that we also hold space, taking on those teachings that those ancient ones provide for us, looking into our past, looking for the steps that our ancestors took, finding those foundations, those root systems, and those tree nations that help us with our breath, our breath of life. Honouring the Ancient Beings Grandfather Tree See this tree here (May photo, page 12), I call him a Grandfather because every time I see him and stand with him, I feel the male energy of him. Beside him stands a sapling. That Grandfather tree is waiting for him to be strongly rooted before he gives way and lets go. If ever that Grandfather tree falls or has to be cut down, the sapling cannot be damaged in anyway. It will need to continue and carry on for the Grandfather. – Gloria Oshkabewisens-McGregor Honouring the Ancient Beings introduction by Geesohns Manitowabi. Above photo collage and Conversation with Mitigook by Gloria Oshkabewisens-McGregor. Poetry by Sarah Gartshore. Border illustrations by Raven Debassige. Art direction and design by Melanie Laquerre.
Aanikoobijigan (Ancestors) Mewinzha Mishomis Ancient Grandfathers there for all to see Covering the land Memory holders rumbling with responsibility Time travellers who honour our memories Ancestors holding our hands Patient and present Knowing and kind Whispering “Offer your semaa, visit with us a while” And we sit Familiar Accept their heat in the sweat The earthen womb Hold them in our pockets… on the stand Walk in their wisdom… on our way to help Respecting their rumblings of response to memory Respecting their responsibility “You are our kin When you are ready We’re ready to begin” And the giants breathe us in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. DECEMBER 2022 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Mnidoo Giizis Spirit Moon | January 2023 FEBRUARY 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 New Year’s Day Wild Food Bank (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Boys Drum (CC) Traditional Craft Night (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Bowling (PB) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Friday Night Workshop (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Yoga (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Yoga (CC) Diabetes Support Group (CC) FASD Community Kitchen (CC) Lunch and Learn (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
We are ready to hear The tales passed down from marrow to marrow As the winter blankets our mother she rests And opens our hearts for storytellers to express Wisdom Fun Warming us like fire Weaving our nights with heartbeat, drumbeat, storybeat The tales of time immemorial becoming fresh and new The ancestors have heard our stories Back when we were ancestors too We are time travellers Remembering together We were lowered on a woven web from The Hole In The Sky We moved fast, through kin constellations From web to womb to breath Stardust dripping from plump lips Bursting from soft spots gently kissed Nokomis landings Preparing to meet our Grandfathers on wobbly feet NMishomis Great beings that honour their responsibility To remember all A great council that moves and hums to soothe its holdings And holds all And we breathe the giants in Time Travellers
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. JANUARY 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Mkwa Giizis Bear Moon | February 2023 MARCH 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Wild Food Bank (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Yoga (CC) Feasting the Bear (CC) Diabetes Support Group (CC) Mental Wellness Speaker Series (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Family Day Offices closed Valentine’s Day Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Traditional Craft Night (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Friday Night Workshop (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Groundhog Day Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) PD Day Activity (TBD) Lunch and Learn (CC) Sharing and Caring FASD Support Circle (CC) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Balance Her backbone is he Her breath is she Her life is we She offers us her hair to braid and burn Sometimes her lessons and voice churn In our bellies and in the sea In the rumblings beneath our feet Her storms hold stories we are wise to hear Her love is just, righteous and near She is our first mother And the last to cradle our head She sings our journey songs And puts us all to bed Her favourite child has always been you and me “You are my drum and my heart beats free” Grief and love finely balanced on her knee Her favourite child has always been you and me And we breathe the giants in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. FEBRUARY 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Naabidin Giizis/Bokwaagmi Giizis Snow Crust Moon/Broken Snowshoe Moon | March 2023 APRIL 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Yoga (CC) Yoga (CC) Diabetes Support Group (CC) Lunch and Learn (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) FASD Community Kitchen (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Spring Equinox (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Spring Craft Challenge Begins (SM) Traditional Craft Night (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) St. Patrick’s Day Art Drop-in (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Friday Night Workshop (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Seeds Mino Bimaadziwin is the order of this perfect day Well-being reaches through dirt and forest floor Well-being reaches through concrete and metal door Nods at the rain and boot the same Pushes through the cracks Grows around obstacles Doesn’t find a way Is the way Revels in the light Revels in the night Seeds to survivance Nurturers Connected Reaching Unrivalled Powerful Being Anishinaabe And we breathe the giants in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. MARCH 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Bokwaagmi Giizis/Ziisibaakadake Giizis Broken Snowshoe Moon/Sugar Moon | April 2023 MAY 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Diabetes Support Group (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Easter Monday Offices closed Yoga (CC) Lunch and Learn (CC) Sharing and Caring FASD Support Circle (CC) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Medicine Walk (BA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Easter Boys Drum (CC) Traditional Craft Night (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Good Friday Offices closed Friday Night Workshop (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) PD Day Activity (TBD) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Elders & Youth An old tree and a sapling stood in a field The old legend spoke to the young story “Hold onto me when you are feeling unsteady When your roots don’t feel like home Put your back to mine I know you’re trying I too have pushed through bite, burn and rot I remember being you I remember how I grew I was groundless and woozy So sure but unruly You will find your roots, stretch them deep and wide A network of legends beneath rings of time And when little feet and pitter patter come to play You’ll laugh and hide Offer shelter, your branches spread wide And when fire and emotion saunter to sit You’ll welcome their teenage visit Showing them the spaces and places they fit Offering them what you used to seek Daadizooke See, I remember well that dark night you are in I remember being you and how I grew I was told I needed a plan B too Told I was too whiskey and far too risky But I learned that stars don’t shine, they burn And that fire makes way for new growths turn So tell your truth Even if it burns kingdoms to the ground Put your back to mine And know that I’m trying Hold onto me Hold on” And the giants breathe us in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. APRIL 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Nmebine Giizis Sucker Moon | May 2023 JUNE 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Mental Health Week Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Yoga (CC) Walking Out Ceremony (BA) Diabetes Support Group (CC) Mental Wellness Speaker Series (CC) Mental Health Week Medicine Walk (BA) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Mother’s Day Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Victoria Day Offices closed Spring Fasting Camp (BA) Lunch and Learn (CC) FASD Community Kitchen (CC) Mental Health Week Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Spring Fasting Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Spring Craft Challenge Ends (SM) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mental Health Week Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Sweat Lodge Build Day (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Spring Fasting Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Sweat Lodge Ceremony (BA) Art Drop-in (CC) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) MMIWG National Day Mental Health Week Art Drop-in (CC) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Foundations One day the roots had their ears to the sky, listening to the two-legged talk. When they heard ‘time immemorial’ they looked to the rocks in disbelief and asked “Don’t they know that no time is ‘immemorial’? That we remember it all? That we sat at the first circle, that we watched the star fall, that we heard the first step and still vibrate with the birds first call?” The rocks replied “Ehn, nevermind time immemorial… those two-legged are today immemorial!” and the roots and rocks shook with laughter Brother, put your ear to the ground and tell us if you hear Herds of love thundering towards future generations Unworried waterways roiling with laughter Sister, put your eyes to the sky and tell us if you see Giants lifting pipes to kin constellations Smoke curling around spirits falling through The Hole In The Sky Our foundation is solid and Aho it’s funny The day the Uncles lay it down was beautiful and long The Aunties threw their heads back and slapped that foundation strong And the rocks and roots will forever crack their jokes Cause we’re laughin’ or dyin’ is how the saying goes And we breathe the giants in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. MAY 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Waabgonii Giizis Blossom/Flower Moon | June 2023 JULY 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Sweat Lodge Ceremony (BA) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Father’s Day Diabetes Support Group (CC) Lunch and Learn (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Medicine Walk (BA) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) National Indigenous Peoples Day Summer Craft Challenge Begins (SM) Summer Solstice (BA) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) PD Day Activity (TBD) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Guardians The guardians are magic and might Gentle giants Evergreen shelter for the lonesome soul Sink into their shade and look at your own Sin and silence, secrets and sorrow Give the guardians your burden When you’re ready to be free Sunbeams burn through shame free canopy Ask the guardians anything When you’re ready for the truth They know you Your Grandmother pressed her back to them And sang songs of you Your Grandfather pressed his hand to them And prayed prayers of you So gather your messages for the future Press them in their pages Tell futures of the love they’ll need for their dark Of how they’ll grow from the scary and difficult parts Press your back to your Grandmothers spot And let the giants know They helped you love your own well scarred bark to grow That you’re grateful for the lodges carved from their being That children play astronaut and rockstars at their knee That their great breath lulls your home to sleep Where you dream of… Great Grandmothers Great Grandfathers Future lonesome souls With legions of guardians calling them home And the giants breathe us in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. JUNE 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Miin Giizis Berry Moon | July 2023 AUGUST 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Youth Culture Camp (BA) Diabetes Support Group (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Sweat Lodge Ceremony (BA) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Lunch and Learn (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Medicine Walk (BA) Youth Culture Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Canada Day Youth Culture Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
The giant trees that stood sentry at every birth Honouring agreements and breathing our worth Of plancental hearts forged from stars Pumping love from their knotted limbs to ours An agreement as ancient and wide as grace Arranged between mother, cedar, maple and birch We, the charge The trees midwifing our birth They sway at the ready Prepared for the honour The placenta nods at them And breath rushes through their pulp Past rings that hold the stories of fire and rain Past sacred circles of ceremony With the power and speed of a mothers prayer They breathe into our lungs and we accept their gift Crying at the shock and beauty of its perfection Stunned at the depth of our sentry’s affection And the giants spread their arms to shush the land And we breathe our breath back into them Reciprocal relationship for as long as we stand And the giants breathe us in Giants
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. JULY 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Mnoomni Giizis Rice Moon | August 2023 SEPTEMBER 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Civic Holiday Offices closed Diabetes Support Group (CC) Mental Wellness Speaker Series (CC) Anishinaabe Language Camp (BA) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Yoga in the Park (TBD) Summer Craft Challenge Ends (SM) Sweat Lodge Ceremony (BA) Youth Culture Camp (BA) Lunch and Learn (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Medicine Walk (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Youth Culture Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Anishinaabe Language Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Youth Culture Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Preschool Clinic Anishinaabe Language Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Kin Constellations Ancestors see our fear and raise us Nanaboozho So we can reach back… back And find ourselves Dancing in circles of joy and celebration Picking medicines amid beaded constellations We reach forward… forward And find ourselves again Watch ourselves placing gifts in future generations hands Gifts of ceremony, medicine and wise grounding stones Stardust swirling high on chubby cheekbones Sometimes We’ll hear a whisper or feel like a fool “Get back on the ground, You didn’t hear that sound, No-one is time travelling to you” Oh but niijii, yes you did and yes they are! Your future and past are travelling the same walkabout The sun, moon and stars purse their lips towards you When that journey begins Healing starts breaking trail too Healing tramples down ‘I will never be enough’ Smooths the razor edges of ‘my childhood was rough’ Pushes hope aside and lays truth before your feet The truth is your identity is woven to the stars So honour those you feel you knew before you met You likely held hands as you fell from the web Likely looked in each others eyes as you flew past Bagonagiizhig Kin on the way down and Kin on the rise And you rise And you rise And the giants breathe us in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. AUGUST 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Waabagaa Giizis Changing Leaves Moon | September 2023 OCTOBER 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESWWDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Labour Day Offices closed Quit Smoking Café (CC) Yoga (CC) Diabetes Support Group (CC) Fall Craft Challenge Begins (SM) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Fall Fasting Camp (BA) Lunch and Learn (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fall Fasting Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Medicine Walk (BA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Sweat Lodge Ceremony (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Fall Fasting Camp (BA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Autumn Equinox (BA) Art Drop-in (CC) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Anishinaabartist Honour Gimaamaa Feel Shkagamik-Kwe’s love pulse Through waterways of loud laughing women Recognize her fire roaring Quiet and strong in thoughtful men Hear the praying fruit from the breathing trees The ancient songs Time travelling on strawberry breeze When the Star Beings first imagined Shkagamik-Kwe They wept They knew one ancient and new day Would bring your first step Creating isn’t a luxury It’s our beating hearts on the vine So Anishinaabartists pick up your brushes Paint the sky silver, copper and blue Lift your feet and shake the world in celebration of you Bead the constellations on all of our sleeves Remembrance of our Star Being Kin Clan tattoos writing about circles of time Dance in step with your sister’s rhyme Braid love and Spirit through your brothers’ hair Remind each other that you are there Remember that we fell together Fast Through kin constellations From web to womb to love’s first breath Grandfathers holding our first steps Reminding us of who we are And we breathe the giants in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. SEPTEMBER 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Bnaakwii Giizis Falling Leaves Moon | October 2023 NOVEMBER 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Thanksgiving Offices closed Quit Smoking Café (CC) Yoga (CC) Yoga (CC) Medicine Walk (BA) Diabetes Support Group (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Hide Tanning Camp (BA) Lunch and Learn (CC) World Mental Health Day Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Hunt Camp (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Hunt Camp (BA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Hide Tanning Camp (BA) Traditional Craft Night (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Halloween Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Sweat Lodge Ceremony (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Hunt Camp (BA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Hide Tanning Camp (BA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Friday Night Workshop (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Story Keeper The cowboys have tried to write Indian histories and attempt But our ways of Knowing and Being Are stronger than a 500 year coup Besides Pilgrim We looked deadly on those wild horses too Only birch tree biographies speak truth to our… Grandeur and elegance Our sophistication and beauty The birch trees keep our stories They are the black ink writers of… Star readers and buffalo lovers Water carriers and sunrise singers Medicine makers and fire keepers Navigators Scientartists Right now the birch are busy documenting… Miracle Bodies Meeting in never immemorial gathering places City streets meeting warrior heartbeats The coup Under thousands of well dressed Anishinaabe feet We don’t need headline or stage We are the story We are the rage And the birch scrolls turn their page And the giants breathe us in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. OCTOBER 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Baashkaakodin Giwizis Freezing Moon | November 2023 DECEMBER 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Wild Food Bank (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Yoga (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Yoga (CC) National Aboriginal Veterans Day Diabetes Support Group (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) Nutrition Bingo (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Fall Craft Challenge Ends (SM) Lunch and Learn (CC) Mental Wellness Speaker Series (CC) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Sweat Lodge Ceremony (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Traditional Craft Night (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Friday Night Workshop (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) All Souls Day Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Feasting our Ancestors (BA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Remembrance Day CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
Cartographer Future generations will look out from your very own eyes The next generations will see your face in the mountains rise They will know that the maps we left were made of you That when you were ready to stay down you heard their call and began anew We are cartographers Charting course for future generations Mapping ways forward through broken terrain Tracing safety across our family’s doorsteps Shading shorelines around the strength of women Carving mountain ranges of Aunties’ laughter Precise curve lines of Responsibility Moving the high water marks of Uncles’ love The latitude of men in fine balance with the meridians of women And we breathe the giants in
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES – RESPECTING TRADITIONAL VALUES Please call 705-675-1596 for program information. NOVEMBER 2023 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Mnidoo Giisoons Little Spirit Moon | December 2023 JANUARY 2024 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Wild Food Bank (CC) Quit Smoking Café (CC) Weight Loss Support Group (CC) Yoga (CC) Cooking with Kids (CC) Diabetes Support Group (CC) Men’s Group (MC) Winter Solstice (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Christmas Boxing Day Christmas Eve New Years Eve Wild Food Bank (CC) Yoga (CC) Wild Food Bank (CC) Yoga (CC) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Beading Group (CC) Boys Drum (CC) Sweat Lodge Ceremony (BA) Fitness Health (YMCA) Mishko-Ode-Wendum Sharing Circle (CC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Bowling (PB) Art Drop-in (CC) Art Drop-in (CC) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) Men’s Group (MC) Fitness Health (YMCA) CC = COMMUNITY CENTRE, 105 ELM ST., SUITE E4 | MC = MAIN CENTRE, 161 APPLEGROVE ST. | BA = BI-WAASEY AASIGEH, SKHC LAND | TBD = TO BE DETERMINED | SM = SOCIAL MEDIA | YMCA, 140 DURHAM ST. | PB = PLAZA BOWL, 1799 GARDEN ST.
2023 GIISOG CALENDAR
Seven Grandfather Teachings Above photo features Nookii Hilda-baa Nadjiwan’s Seven Grandfather Teaching stones. Gwayakwaadiziwin Honesty Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself and you will more easily be able to be honest with others. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean righteousness. Nibwaakaawin Wisdom To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people. In the Anishinaabe language, this word expresses not only wisdom, but also means prudence, intelligence or knowledge. In some communities, Gikendaasowin is used. Aakode’ewin Bravery Bravery is to face the foe with integrity. In the Anishinaabe language, this word literally means ‘state of having a fearless heart’—to do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant. Some communities use either Zoongadikiwin (state of having a strong casing) or Zoongide’ewin (state of having a strong heart). Zaagi’idiwin Love To know Love is to know peace. Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they need love the most. In the Anishinaabe language, this word with the reciprocal theme / idi/ indicates that this form of love is mutual. In some communities, Gizhaawenidiwin is used, which in most context means ‘jealousy’, but in this context is translated as either ‘love’ or ‘zeal.’ Minaadendamowin Respect To honour all creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with respect. You must give respect if you wish to be respected. Some communities instead use Ozhibwaadenindiwin or Manazoonidiwin. Debwewin Truth Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others. Dabaadendiziwin Humility Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean compassion. You are equal to others, but you are not better. Some communities instead express this with Bekaadiziwin, which in addition to humility, can also be translated as calmness, meekness, gentility or patience.
Teachings from the Ancient Beings Ndominaajaanaanik To honour something or someone We want to acknowledge those ones who’ve been sitting on this earth for thousands of years—the rocks. They remind us to take time to reflect, look within and be still. Those one who’ve witnessed the change of the seasons and all of the different elements that come, who’ve witnessed the forever changing winds, waters and change all around, and yet they remain without movement, teaching us to be in one space, to be the observers. (Referring to January photo.) It depends on the seer, you can see the light going in or you can see it coming out. While Gloria was talking with the mayor one time, she told him that Sudbury is getting rid of all of our protectors and he responded, “What do you mean?” She replied, “If you noticed that the weather is starting to come in and affect Sudbury with these tornados and strong winds, well, Sudbury is getting rid of all of your protectors.” When asking who they are, she answered, “That’s the rocks. All of these rocks around here are here for a reason. They’re the protocols of the environment. It’s the elements like the wind and all this other energy that travels— those are the protocol protectors. They are the ones that guide and work with that energy coming in. So, if Sudbury gets rid of all their rocks, then you might as well go live in Texas or the prairies where they’re going to get a thousand tornados a day. There’s a reason why these rocks are here.” The mayor replied, “I never even thought of that.” This is a part of what our people all know. This is our connection. We know their story and part of that is listening to their story and observing. Teaching words translated by Maryann Endanawas. Siniin Stones When we’re struggling with needing to speak our truth and needing to be in a space where we’re having to use our voice, we’ll often take those little stones and we will hold them as we ask for their help to find the words, to be able to speak those truths. We ask our ancestors, we ask the help of those Grandfathers and those Grandmothers to guide us, and help us be able to deliver that message in a good way, with truth, kindness and respect, so that it’s not coming from a place of the mind but rather coming from a place of the heart. We ask for that wisdom to be channeled through our voices, in our message that we’re wanting to put forward. When we go to those sacred places, whether it be in our backyards or whether it be those places that we go to in creation, in our ceremonies and in our sweat lodge, we always have those Grandfathers and those Grandmother rocks. We carry them in those places where we offer our semaa, so that we are always acknowledging the spirit, the ancestors of that land. They are here to help us, when we are needing to be in those places of prayer, and needing to connect with spirit. It is those rocks and stones that we go to, to help us in that connection, of communicating with our Grandfathers and our Grandmothers.
Miinkaanesan Seeds When we look at new trees coming up, we’re just so amazed at how powerful their roots are and how powerful the land is in their memory and natural instruction from Creator. Their purpose is to find light and no matter where the seed is, the seed’s purpose is to find light. It reaches all the way through everything—the channels of the rock, the channels of the old wood, all the way through those channels—to find that light, and that light of the Sky Nation, that light of the sun. That’s its instructions. That’s its goal. When we see plants come out from rocks or even manmade concrete, they’ll crack that concrete to find the light. They know their instructions and nothing can hold them back. When we see cities or old towns, abandoned, the plants will bring life and light back to that place. We can look at the town that looks destitute, but fail to see the plants that are there bringing light. The teaching we learn from this is that amidst our healing journey, sometimes we are so focused on the darkness, that state of depression that we’re in, and we feel locked down and stuck, but knowing that when we are feeling buried in the darkness, all we have to keep doing is reaching for that light. Keep reaching for that light and there will be that new life. Mishoomis Mitig Grandfather Tree (Referring to May photo.) This Grandfather tree is dying, but it will not leave until it knows that that younger one growing beside him has established a root system strong enough to be able to be on its own. Those younger ones, saplings, have the drive, the energy of the youth and they’re so determined and full of life, but always needing the guidance of our Elders to help ground them because sometimes they just want to run. They just want to run with all of their ideas and enthusiasm, but it’s those older ones that remind them to take their steps with intention. The teaching is about celebrating our youth, while remembering the importance of the Elders guiding them, giving them that foundation, that wisdom, and reminding them to make sure that their steps have intentions—and to walk carefully. A word we use in ceremonies is Aangwaamzin. Aangwaamzin means be careful. Now in our ceremonies, that word is often used because yes, be careful, but be determined. Be determined in what it is that we are doing, move forward, continue to move forward, but do it carefully. Jiibikenhan Roots The roots help remind us of the importance of having a good foundation in everything that we do. When we have a strong belief system, it helps to ground us and keep us anchored, ensuring that we will be able to withstand those storms that may come in our path, making sure that we are rooted to our Earth Mother. We often hear the word reciprocity, making certain that we’re always giving back in everything that we receive. We’re always giving back and when we think about the root system, reciprocity is a word we hear. One of the roles as Anishinaabe people that we were given was to be the guardians and the caretakers of the Earth because she is forever taking care of us and making sure that we have everything that we need in our walk here in this place, in this space, and when we give back to her, she will make sure that we have strong words. Tree beings speak to each other through their roots. That that is how their voices travel. That is how they nurture each other. They are a community and teach of how we are all connected.
Ginoonad G’zhemnido Conversations with Creator (Referring to July photo.) These guardians stand tall. They are resilient and grounded. They are protectors. We’ve shared our love, laughter and grief with these guardians. We’ve hugged them, cried to them, and channeled their strength. These beings are loyal, selfless, humble and always giving to us—breath, shelter, warmth, protection. They gift us with wise teachings of stillness, presence, resilience and strength. They weather the storms. We sit with these beings and are reminded of our connection. They ground us and remind us that we are all part of Creation. We are never alone. These ancestors are with us. They have witnessed and survived so much. Sit with them, open your heart, and receive their wisdom and teachings. They stand together like family, like guardians. They are the ones we go to, to have those conversations. They protect our space and instill that feeling of protection. We go and talk to them when we’re needing that grounding, wanting to have that conversation, knowing that they hear us, that they’re listening, and that in their own way, they’re giving us that guidance. We see the play of light and shadow upon the green carpet, a dance of light and darkness. It’s like walking in the shadow of oneself. You know how children love to discover their shadows? They try to run after them, they try to step on them, and they just had fun with them? They have no issue with their shadow. They just love them and are just having fun. So we see this place where nature teaches us to love the shadow of oneself—and to even look in the light. To look in the light of oneself and to look in the shadow of oneself. Each place is a gift. Bagidanaamowin Breathing, breath That life breath… Sometimes we forget how to breath. It’s so unconscious, we don’t even think about breath because it’s something that we are consistently doing, and we forget how to breath. So when we look at the trees, take in that oxygen and breath out, they take care of that breath. They help and remind us of the importance of that first breath and how we use breath to process the energies and even the stresses that we carry. Sometimes when we can’t find the answers, we are just feeling the stress and heaviness, the weight on our shoulders, we are reminded that we need to focus and come back to the core, to use that breath to help us slow things down. Sometimes the stress is because we are moving too fast and we are not centering. Breath helps to bring us back to center. It also helps us with that transition through life, reminding us of all of those senses and to take the time to be able to smell the beauty of that first rain in the spring, or to take that time and smell the roses. Being the lungs of the Earth, the trees are the ones that help us with our breath and breath is so important because it’s like we’re told when we’re born, that there’s a veil put on us that blocks the memory we have from where we just came from. When we take that first breath, that veil is put on for us so that we can learn the lessons we need to learn on this Earth. In that same way, when we give that last final breath at the end of our life, the veil is lifted again and our spirit can see where we came from—the stars. Shkagamik-Kwe Mother Earth When we think about the fall and the changing of the colours, we think about the fear of change and of the unknown. In order to walk through that change, we have to let things go and that is what this season teaches us as we witness all of the leaves fall. That time of change and letting go can be very scary, but what Creation teaches us is the beauty of it. The teaching of this season that is often shared is that this is the time when our Mother, the Earth, with the help of the Tree Nation, puts on her finest clothing, and she dances that final dance before she gets ready to rest, when winter comes and gifts that healing blanket of snow. We envision the fancy shawl dancers at powwows and this image of the spirit of Mother Earth dancing with all of her different colours, with ribbons and fringe swaying in the wind. When we see these fall colours, like Creation’s paintbrush, we celebrate our Mother, the Earth, as she puts on her most beautiful, beautiful dress.
Mitigook Endaawad Tree Nation Our Tree Nation not only helps us with our breath—we’re often told that they’re the lungs, clean the air—they also give of their vessels. We’ve used their vessels for our homes, our shelters. We’ve used their vessels and their bark to help carry our food, and when we carry that deep grief, that sadness and those traumas, we are told to go and sit with our back against those trees and ask those ones to help us in taking that sadness, help us in taking that grief, and those ones, those trees, will do that for us. They will take that for us, because they are wanting us to move forward, and to stand up again straight and to stand up strong, and to become like that tree that is always reaching for that light. Wiigwaasimitig Birch Wiigwaasimitig is vital to our history. This one has helped us in so many ways—in our travel, in our waterway system, and in giving their bark so that we can build our canoes, make fire, and they give us their medicines. There are so many stories this one holds. It gave of its vessel and its skin to carry our stories, document our songs, and write down our aadizookaan. Wiigwaasimitig is our way of documentation. It holds our records and our sacred stories. Giizhik Cedar Giizhik medicine is intertwined in so many of our ceremonies. Her smoke medicine cleans and purifies the air. She makes crackling sounds when placed in the fire and it is said the spirits are attracted to this sound, as if to say “come listen.” She is one who gives her medicine to us all year round, throughout each season. Giizhik helps us through our grief, when we are sick, and when we send our loved ones home. Gchi-miigwech to the Ancient Beings of our Natural World.
Programs and Services TRADITIONAL • Beading Workshop • Ceremony By Request • Community Workshops (once a month) • Cross Cultural Training • Cultural/Medicine Workshops • Feasts • Full Moon Ceremony • Hospice Visits • Hunt Camps • Long Term Care Visits • Medicine Walk • Men’s Wellness (bi-annual) • Nada Gii Kendum Program • Sweat Lodge Ceremonies (May-November) • Traditional Cooking • Traditional Doctors Program • Weekly Men’s Group • Wild Food Bank • Youth Big Drum Group • Youth Cultural Camps • Youth Cultural Teachings • Youth Sharing Circles • Youth Summer Program (July-August) PRIMARY CARE Support Groups • Menopause Group • Prenatal Group Specialized Clinics • Annual Pre-School Clinic • Annual World Diabetes Day • Breastfeeding Support • Diabetes Care • Flu Vaccine Clinic • Foot Care (diabetic) • OB/GYN Specialist – Dr. Jocko • Phlebotomy • Physiotherapy • Registered Massage Therapy • Well Woman COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Health Promotion • Bowling • Community Garden Initiative • Diabetes Education • Diabetes Prevention Activities • Exercise RX • Fitness Health • Grandfather Teachings Scavenger Hunt • Kids Cooking • Land-Based Teachings/Culture Camps • Nutrition Bingo • Quit Smoking Café (CC) and Finding Balance • School Year – Professional Development (PD) Day Activities • Smoking Cessation • Strawberry Picking • Urban Pole Walking • Yoga • Youth Programs • Youth Summer Program ADMINISTRATION • Accountability Systems • Financial Management • Funder Relations • Funder Reporting • Government Relations • Human Resources • Information Systems • Marketing and Promotion • Privacy and PHIPA Compliance • Public Relations • Research and Development • Strategic Planning External Partnerships • Aboriginal Peoples Alliance of Northern Ontario • Alliance for Healthier Communities • Cambrian College • Canadian Mental Health Association • Centre de santé Communautaire du Grand Sudbury • City of Greater Sudbury • Collège Boréal Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre (SKHC) is dedicated to providing equal access to quality health care for all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people in the City of Greater Sudbury, and individuals and families from our partner First Nations: Wahnapitae, Henvey Inlet and Magnetawan. We are a culturally based holistic health centre dedicated to balanced and healthy lifestyles. Programs and services support traditional values encompassing the connectedness of emotional, spiritual, physical and mental well-being. In meeting our mandate and honouring the ancestors and the seven generations we have an intake process to access services of SKHC.
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