Caption: Randy White shares his renderings on the Ogimaa Drum, which has been passed down in his family for generations, with Elder Allan White behind him.
Ogimaawabiitong (Kenora Chiefs Advisory) would like to send a huge Miigwetch to everyone who supported and participated in our fourth annual Dagwaagin Gabeshiwin – Fall Harvest this week at the KCA Youth and Family Wellness Camp!
Hundreds of students from local and community schools from across Treaty #3 came together each day on October 8, 9, and 10 to gather, participate in ceremonies, take part in cultural practices, and learn more about the practices of our Anishinaabemowin ancestors – as we celebrate the changing of the season.
The three-day celebration was hosted by KCA’s Grandmother Drum, Shawanoong Banaise’seek, and Emcee Ron Kanutski, with support from our Elders Allan White, Andy White, George Land, Luanne Kavanaugh, Agnes Paul, and our drummers. Opening songs, prayers, and blessings took place each morning to honour the land, our youth, and the gathering, allowing us to heal with one another.
On October 9th, visitors were also able to hear special renderings from Randy White on the sacred Ogimaa Drum, which has been passed down in his family for generations. We’d like to send Randy a huge Miigwetch for sharing his teachings with us.
Students and community members were then able to take part in cultural practices led by local knowledge keepers and overseen by our Elders, which included moose harvesting and hide scraping, medicine teachings, bear grease making, falconry, Ojibwe horse visits, duck and goose harvesting, fish fry, traditional games, art stations, and more.
AJ White was one of the Knowledge Keepers supporting the celebration, helping to teach youth about moose harvesting and hide scraping. Miigwetch, AJ, for imparting your knowledge and culture with us!
“I have so many favourite parts from these past three days,” said KCA’s Cultural Coordinator, Crystal Morrison. “But just seeing the natural abilities the kids had with doing some of the things they were learning – getting right in there, getting dirty, asking tons of questions.”
“And the ceremonies that took place, just being able to have Shawanoong Banaise’seek here for people to be able to request healing. And for kids to learn the ceremonies, the songs that go with them, and to come and gather as one and pray for one another. All of it was great. We had amazing weather. I so appreciate KCA staff coming together and helping each other out. Everything went great.”
Ogimaawabiitong once again sends a huge Miigwetch to everyone who has helped make this celebration possible, including our Elders and Knowledge Keepers, hunters Jyles Copenace and Reno Cameron, emcee Ron Kanutski, KCA staff and volunteers, schools and students, and everyone who came together to learn more about our culture.
“The past three days went really well,” said KCA’s Cultural Services Promoter, Patrice Seymour. “My favourite part is seeing all the kids joining in. They’re really eager to learn. And of course, just being here and being out on the land. We had a great turnout every day.”
“We want to say Miigwetch to Ronnie P McDonald, Charlie Kelly, Norman Campbell, James Mcdonald, AJ White, our Elders, our emcee Ron Kanutski, all of our KCA staff at the Youth and Family Wellness Camp, NBDS, ADEP, MHA, Right to Play, all of the schools, and everyone who came together,” adds Morrison and Seymour.
KCA would also like to acknowledge our Cultural Team members, Crystal and Patrice, for helping to organize such a fantastic three-day gathering. We couldn’t have done this without their hard work and dedication, and we’re already looking forward to the fifth annual Fall Harvest next year!
KCA would also like to say Miigwetch to the City of Kenora, and the Department of Canadian Heritage for helping to sponsor and support this year’s Fall Harvest celebration.