News Flash

 

Pikwakanagan's Foster Home is Officially Open

On August 12, 2008, in an emotional ceremony, Kokomish Gamik (Grandmother's House) was officially opened. Kokomish Gamik is the realization of a dream to have a community based foster home for our First Nation.

Construction began in 2004 and until just recently, the final piece of the puzzle was completed with an approved Foster Parent being secured. Heather Green was hired and Kokomish Gamik opened its doors.

"Most native children are not placed in native homes and many are removed from their community of origin" said Hilda Tennisco, Supervisor, Pikwakanagan Child and Family Services. "This severs not only ties to family, but the cultural practices and identity necessary for these children to grow confidently as native community members. It became very important to find alternative care for our children here in Pikwakanagan First Nation.

The home is approved to house up to four children, currently there are three children that are in care.

Chief Kirby Whiteduck said it took a lot of hard work and perseverance to bring Kokomish Gamik into being. "Here it is. An example of what we can do when we put our minds to it and work together. We have to recognize our primary success - what we are doing is we are looking after our children. We are keeping them here and this is the real success".

 

 

 

 

Dakota House Visits Pikwakanagan Youth

March 14, 2008 - Pikwakanagan youth had the fortunate pleasure of meeting Dakota House when he was booked to host a youth empowerment workshop. Dakota is the star of the television hit North of 60. He played the young rebellious TeeVee. Dakota has created a new program called Going Miles. Going Miles is a program that helps today's youth by giving them the opportunity to grow and learn and to express themselves in a healthier more positive way, through the medium of the Arts, as well as Culture, Dance and Music. Approximately 30 youth attended the workshop on Friday, and a good time was had by all. For more information on the Going Miles program log onto www.goingmiles.com.

 

Pikwakanagan Recipient of Hydro One's Power Play Program

March 7, 2008 - Hydro One is providing a $10,000.00 grant to the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation to assist with renovations to the Makwa Community Center. The grant is part of the company's Power Play Program to support and enhance children's sports and recreation facilities in Ontario communities served by Hydro One.

The Makwa Center is used every night of the week, and there is a lot of traffic and activity happening. "We currently have a Recreation and After School program operating out of the Makwa Center, as well as Bingo, Leather and Craft classes, Youth Center, Kids Facts and Teen Facts. It is our intention to upgrade the floors in the entrance and main play area with this money." says Merv Sarazin, Manager of Public Works.

 

 

Pikwakanagan Members Save Canine from Icy Waters

A local family was relieved on Friday February 1, 2008 when their family pet was rescued by a few members of Pikwakanagan. Gracie, a 10 month-old border collie pup was pulled from the frigid waters of Golden Lake by the combined efforts of Archie Kohoko, Dale Benoit-Zohr, Mike Ott, Jim Meness and Cliff Meness.

Mike and Jim are both members of the Pikwakanagan Fire Department and undergone several intense water rescue training sessions. They were able to successfully apply their rescue techniques to the puppy. Jim Meness said he walked out as far as he could then basically crawled on his stomach until the ice gave way and he entered the water, which was about 10 - 12 feet deep with a strong current. "The first time I went in the water I tried to paddle back and the current took my legs under the ice," he explained "that got me a little paranoid, so they had to pull me back out." Once Jim regained his composure, he went back in and made it to the dog. "She didn't resist me in any way. She just crawled right into my arms and the guys pulled us in."

Looking back on the ordeal, Jim said he did not hesitate to help when Mike Ott told him there was a dog in the water. "I am a pet owner myself, so I didn't hesitate because I figured the dog was somebody's pet, so I just went and did it."

Mike Ott said had they not had the proper equipment to attempt the rescue, Gracie may have perished.

Kerry Lynn Walker said "We are very grateful, to think these guys risked their lives to save our pup, its kind of hard to believe." By Monday, Gracie was showing no ill effects from her ordeal and was back to her playful self. Mrs. Walker is looking into the proper procedures to nominate the group for an award for their bravery.

Pikwakanagan Receives Federal Funds for Cultural Craft Program

The Algonquins of Pikwakangan First Nation is one of only five communities in Renfrew- Nippissing-Pembroke to receive funding under the latest round of the New Horizons for Seniors Program through Human Resources and Social Development Canada. On January 18, 2008 MP Cheryl Gallant presented a cheque to Chief Kirby Whiteduck in the amount of $10,780.00 for the Ketiziwidjg Project - Elders Passing on Knowledge. The program will involve community elders passing on their knowledge and skills through a leather and craft class available to members of the community. Jacqueline Sarazin will be teaching the class which begins February 7, 2008 and ends July 2008 and will focus on the making of leather crafts such as moccasins, leggings, vests, chest plates, chokers, and beaded earrings. These are all necessary for the completion of contemporary and traditional regalia worn by our members during pow wows and special ceremonies. "This is an aboriginal initiative that will enable elders to transfer their knowledge, skills and experience to children, youth and adults, while enriching community life." Lisa Meness, said in the application. "Aboriginal leather craft making knowledge is at risk of becoming lost." Lisa Meness, Danielle Meness and Jacqueline Sarazin are responsible for the idea, development and successful application to New Horizons for Seniors Project.

Community Member receives Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award

Ron Bernard, an Elder from the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, was recently honoured as a recipient of the 2005 Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards was designed to recognize the dedication of the selfless men and women that have devoted their lives to the betterment of their communities. The award recognizes the lifelong contributions of unsung heroes that have contributed to both their community and the Anishinabek community at large. Ron received the award for the many years he struggled to maintain Algonquin language and culture.

Community Member a published poet

Stephanie Luloff, full-time receptionist for the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn Administration Office, is also a part-time poet. Stephanie writes as part of her personal 'healing process'. Stephanie's skills as a poet are so highly recognized in the community that she receives requests for poems. She considers her poems to be very personal and maintains copies of all her work. Stephanie has also been recognized outside of her community. The Poetry Institute of Canada accepted her poem and it has made it to the finals in a poetry competition. Her work will be published in an anthology of verse entitled Island Dreams. Stephanie's entry, entitled, 'Not Meant To Be' will be printed in a hardcover deluxe volume along with the best of modern poetry. Link to Stephanie's winning poem.

Museum of Civilization to return Ancestral Remains for Repatriation

After a lengthy process and talks between the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn and the Quebec Algonquin First Nations, it was decided that Kitigan Zibi First Nation would take the lead role in the Repatriation of Algonquin Ancestral Remains and Burial Artifacts from the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The actual removal of the Ancestral Remains and Burial Artifacts will take place on Aboriginal Solidarity Day, June 21, 2005. The burial boxes will be transported from the Museum to Kitigan Zibi for traditional re-burial.

Pikwàkangàn designated a Cultural Capital of Canada

The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation have been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada (CCC) for 2005. Pikwàkanagàn along with Toronto, Victoria BC, Annapolis Royal NS, and Saint-Jean-Port-Joli QC, have been recognized for their efforts in enriching their community with art and culture.

Pikwàkanagàn submitted a proposal for the CCC award program last year. Under the population category of less than 50,000 people, Pikwàkanagàn will receive $82,000 from the Department of Canadian Heritage to further support their efforts in enriching arts and culture in the community. The award total is equal to the amount that Pikwàkanagàn will invest in cultural enhancement under the same proposal.

This award will help ensure that cultural programs continue to enrich the lives of the community. Pikwàkanagàn’s proposal included cultural enrichment in the following areas: Heritage sites and facilities and festivities, music, dance, theatre, artwork, literature, photography, cultural grounds, the community museum, and preserving the Algonquin language.

Algonquin song writer wins award

Jane Ann Chartrand, a Pembroke born member of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn was honoured at the sixth annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (CAMA).

Chartrand’s CD titled Healing Jane won for best Producer/Engineer- Danny Schurr. Healing Jane was produced last March by Sunshine Records in Winnipeg. Chartrand is a writer and poet. She writes ‘healing songs’ to help those who have suffered from abuse particularly from within Residential schools. Schurr put music to Chartrand’s poems and Kimberly Dawn, winner of the Galaxie Rising Star award, provided the vocals.

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