Sunday, September 13, 2009

Memorial of Nahneebahweequa





Thought I would share this with you a little history to record some day for future generations who wonder what it all means

John Anderson of Cobble Links and I spoke in May 2009 about fixing up my ancestors memorial site .
Mr Anderson also talked with Cheif Akiwenzie of the Chippewas of Nawash about this project .We collaborated on our ideas and this is what we agreed on .
Cobble Links has respectfully built a new somewhat circular surround for the Memorial of Nahneebahweequa.

The circle represents an harmonious relationship with nature and with all living things who are our relatives and that all things are connected and equal because in a circle there is no beginning and no end.Birds make their nests in circles; we dance in circles, the circle stands for the Sun and Moon and all round things in the natural world. The circle is an endless creation, with endless connections to the present, all that went before and all that will come in the future."

Mr. John Anderson of Cobble Links did the work.


He left the iron bed frame that the Woman's Institute of Kemble put around in 1938?

Finally that old falling down white make shift fence is gone.

The Cedar rails represent one of the four sacred medicine cedar .Cedar is a sacred plant that is burned during ceremonies of cleansing, clearing,and blessing. It is used during prayer and meditation to cleanse rooms. The stones are Grandfather stones made into pillars facing in the four directions with a cap stone of the corresponding color for each direction

yellow for the east
red for the south
black for the west and
white for the north.


Grandfather stones give us their wisdom and experience and watch over us.

The four directions of the Medicine Wheel remind us of many things, such as the need for balance in the world, and the balance we must strive for everyday within ourselves.
The four direction teachings go clockwise, beginning in the east. So we always enter from the eastern door.

Catherine's Memorial Stone has not been replaced but has been repaired .


I plan to plant the four medicines in the four directions , in the surround before the snow flies.

I don't no if there will be a dedication or not .Maybe next year 2010 around her date of death in Sept.

Hope you like what we ended up with.

Cobble Links donated their time, all materials and money to build this surround.

Thank you John Anderson and Cobble Links.


Sincerely

Susan Schank



Monday, August 31, 2009

Maandigeh "The Gathering"

Maandigeh "The Gathering"

Angela Ashkewe
Maandigeh Coordinator
c/o United Way of Grey Bruce
380 9th St. EastOwen Sound,
ON N4K 1P1

To Whom It May Concern;Please, consider this letter as your personal invitation to register for Maandigeh, “The Gathering” being held at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre Owen Sound on September 28, 29 and 30, 2009.

It is our hope in holding Maandigeh, “The Gathering”, we can develop ways to build new relationships and hopefully, rebuild relationships which celebrate healing and reconcilation within the educational, judicial, political, health, community and religious institutions.

Your presence would be a great help in achieving this milestone. We ask that you come with an open mind which is willing to learn and understand. Should you leave Maandigeh, “the Gathering” with even the slightest understanding then we have succeeded!If you are unable to attend all three days, there is the option of attending any of the three days.

Call me or email to register for this event should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at restoringthecircle@gmail.com or 519-376-1560, ext. 112.

Yours truly,
Angela Ashkewe
Maandigeh Coordinator

This event is brought to you by the
Restoring the Circle Committee

www.restoringthecircle.yolasite.com

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Flower Beadwork People Beaded Blanket book signing

Jackie Brown and I signing books at the Library in Owen Sound for the Piyak Ootihi book launch Flower Beadwork People Beaded Blanket .

Thanks to everyone who came out to support us either by buying a book or just stopping in to say hello.


Saturday, July 18, 2009

Heritage Days Owen Sound July 25th

A short film featuring stories from Owen Sound
residents about the Port of Owen Sound’s growing pains
as she developed into the City of Owen Sound.
Admission is by donation. For more information please
call 519-371-3333.
Come join us at Owen Sound Heritage Day! Running rain or shine.
Something for everyone!
Marine & Rail Site:
CN Mascot Obie – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm For Adults and children
Thomas the Tank Engine – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm For Pre-schoolers and toddlers
HO & G-Scale Train Models – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Jiggers - 10.00 am - 3.30 pm Tug Boats – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tug Boat Parade – 11:00 am Kids Corner – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pony Rides – 10:00 am- 4:00 pm Tug Boat Light Parade - at Dusk
Live Music & Entertainment
Grey County Highlanders Pipe & Drum Band –
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Piyak Ootihi (One heart) Métis Drummers and
Singers – 10:35 am – 11:05 am
Bobby Dean Blackburn – 11:10 am – 12:00 pm
Cape Crocker Elementary School Girls & Boys
Handrumming Group – 12:05 pm – 12:45 pm
First Rate People – 12:50 pm – 1:55 pm
The Pocket Protectors – 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm
Randy Bo-Bandy and The Cheeseburger Picnic –
2:55 pm – 3:55 pm
Costumed Interpreter in Museum All Day –
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Billy Bishop Site:
Re-enactors – 10.00 am -4.00 pm
Military Displays – 10.00 am -4.00 pm
Barnstormers – 10.00 am -4.00 pm
Balloons for kids – 10.00 am till quantities last

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Flower Beadwork People Beaded Blanket Book



PIYAK OOTIHI (One Heart) Métis
www.piyakootihi.community.officelive.com


MEDIA RELEASE

Date: July 15, 2009 - For Immediate Release

Join Piyak Ootihi (One Heart) Métis for the official launch of the book, Flower Beadwork People Beaded Blanket on Tuesday July 28th from 3pm to 7pm in the Carnegie Room at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library. Contributors to the book will be on hand to autograph purchased books and to talk about the project.

Books may be purchased at that time for $15.00. If you have already purchased a copy, bring it to the launch and we will gladly sign it for you. The book will also be available for purchase at local book stores and at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery gift shop. Proceeds from book sales will go toward the creation of the Piyak Ootihi Memorial Garden.
The book describes the “patches” sewn with love by the Piyak Ootihi (One Heart) Beaders. These patches have been applied to a red blanket reminiscent of the Hudson’s Bay blankets that were among the items traded with the Métis and First Nations ancestors. Each “patch” has a special story or meaning attached to it that speaks of heartbreak, joy, friendship and tradition. The book was published by Ningwakwe Learning Press. The beaded blanket is on display at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library.
Piyak Ootihi (One Heart) Métis united formally as a Drum Circle in 2006, and since May 2008 have been focused on and committed to inform and help heal our community. Our intention is to provide opportunities to the community in response to the Truth and Reconciliation call for healing and education about the residential school experience and legacy in Canada.

Our Mission is to provide ongoing opportunities for healing historic trauma for All Nations
through the development of a Memorial Garden
where pain can be remembered, mourned and transformed
and a new way becomes possible.

- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Susan Schank
Telephone: 519 376 7630
susan.schank@sympatico.ca

Monday, June 8, 2009

Piyak Ootihi are singing at Grey Roots



Good People Aboriginal Festival at Grey Roots

June 20, 2009 - June 21, 2009
The Good People Aboriginal Festival offers visitors an opportunity to gain an appreciation of the culture of the Anishinabek, Grey County’s first residents, through a weekend of Aboriginal celebrations and teachings!Visitors will experience the vibrancy of Interpretive Dance and Drumming demonstrations. Explore the history of the fur trade in Canada with Scott Carpenter and his amazing Métis exhibit. He’ll also have items for sale. Aboriginal talents are showcased at an Art Show and sale organised by Ron de Boer, of Gallery de Boer Fine Art & Jazz. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to observe the construction of a wigwam. Ken Tabobondung and volunteers plan to finish the elm bark wigwam early Sunday afternoon. Marcel Labelle, a Métis birch bark canoe builder will be demonstrating his craft all weekend. Take in one of the many films featured in out Aboriginal Film Festival. For the first time at Grey Roots view Nahneebahweequa - Upright Woman: Crusader for Native Rights exhibit containing items from our collection. Help us create our beautiful community dream catcher! On Saturday well known storyteller Priscilla Yellowhead will be here as well as the Piyak Ootihi Drummers. Saturday evening, visitors will be entertained by the musical talents of Marc Nadjiwan and his band. Marc has been nominated for Best Male Artist at the Canadian Aboriginal Awards. Sunday morning festival goers can rise bright and early and take part in a traditional Sunrise Ceremony with Justin Johnson.This unique weekend gives us all a chance to be inspired, celebrate and gain an understanding of the distinctive culture of Canada’s First Nations People. Purchase festival tickets for all events OR just for a day OR just Marc Nadjiwan’s evening concert. Ticket prices for families, adults, Elder/senior and child available - special prices for Grey Roots’ members.

Saturday Day
Saturday Evening Concert Only
Sunday Day
Weekend Pass General
Weekend Pass Members
Family
$20.00
$15.00
$20.00
$45.00
$35.00
Adult
$12.00
$7.50
$12.00
$25.00
$20.00
Elder
$10.00
$5.00
$10.00
$20.00
$15.00
Child
$7.00
$2.50
$7.00
$12.50
$10.00
Preschool
no charge




Good People Festival Co-ordinator: Sarah Clark mailto:msclark@greyroots.com (519) 376-3690 x108
This event has been made possible through the Ministry of Tourism, Celebrate Ontario initiative.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Piyak Ootihi is having their first book published !!




We are so excited. We have secured a Funder for our book the
" Flower Beadwork People Beaded Blanket Book".



Thank you John Landen of the Landen Group of Owen Sound.
Mr. Landen helped us with helpful advice and direction and funding .
We are most grateful. We look forward to working with you on this project.
You are our Brother Maple Tree.
Like the maple tree you provide comfort, experience and provide
nourishment.

Miigwech

We dedicate this book to our Ancestors, on whose

ashes we walk this Sacred Life.

We dedicate this book to our children

yesterday, today and tomorrow.

And we dedicate this book to Creator

whose Everpresence, Guidance, Grace and Love

keep us strong and resilient.

'Chi Miigwech.



We acknowledge the help of Bob Rice from Nigwakwe Learning Press who is our publisher,
Stuart Reid, The North Grey Union Public Library, Francesca Dobbyn, The City of Owen Sound, and Mayor Ruth Lovell-Stanners for their support.

And most humbly we acknowledge, Creator.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go toward the Piyak Ootihi Memorial Garden.

Please visit our website at:
http://www.piyakootihi.community.officelive.com/

Miigwech ∞ Marcee





Tuesday, April 7, 2009


Piyak Ootihi (One Heart ) Drummers


Piyak Ootihi (One Heart) Drummers have a new websiteCopy and paste into the address


bar



Saturday, March 28, 2009









Grey County Historical Society 42nd Annual Dinner


Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Social Hour: 5 p.m.
Roast Beef Dinner: 6 p.m.


Speaker: 7:30 p.m.
Andrew Armitage
“Looking at Old Grey County: 40 Years of Historical Adventures in the Queen’s Bush”


Meaford Curling Club
130 Collingwood Street West, Meaford

Advance Tickets only — $22.00 Tickets must be purchased by May 10




For information — 519-372-0225 or info@greycountyhs.ca http://greycountyhs.ca http://greycountyhs.blogspot.com