09/18/2025
🌿 **A Monumental Gathering on the Lands of Agency One** 🌿
Just over a week ago, we came together in a celebration that will be remembered for generations! It was a powerful moment of ceremony, connection, and honouring. We gathered to honour our lands, our histories, our Ancestors, our Chief’s and those who came before them, our communities, and our cultural ways – reaffirming our deep and enduring connection to the land that continues to guide and ground us.
🎤 **Honouring Our Cultural Voices**
To our speakers, and Elders, Youth, Chief’s, and Agency One Drums – miigwech. You led us in cultural practices that honor our Anishinaabe ways and brought meaning, connection, and spirit to every part of the gathering. These voices and songs carry teachings, offer prayers, and help us stay rooted in who we are.
We acknowledge the presence of our Agency One Nations and our Chief’s of Naicatchewenin First Nation, Couchiching First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, and Mitaanjigamiing First Nation – along with Treaty Three’s Ogichidaa, Gaakinawataagizod, and Ty Caribou, our youth speaker, who all spoke with connection and vision.
Miigwech to Elder Nancy Jones and Brian Perrault for leading us in ceremony, and to Gary Smith, our emcee, whose voice, and guidance set the tone. We also honour the Agency One Boards and CEOs for their leadership and coordination in bringing this day to life.
✨ **Behind the Scenes**
While the spotlight shone on the celebration, it is the quiet work and unwavering commitment of others that truly carried the spirit of the gathering. Their dedication – often unseen – is the foundation of everything we build together.
From the cultural ceremony and event setup to food offerings, kids and teen events, live entertainment, folding, sorting, and handing out hundreds of shirts, emcee support, fire works and clean up – your commitment made it all possible. Miigwech to each of you: our sponsors, volunteers, and contributors.
➡️ **SPONSORS**
OKT – Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP | Peace Hills Trust | Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd. | CE Strategies | Mawer Investment Management | Clearview Co-operative | Daryl’s Custom Landscapes Ltd. | MNP LLP | Life Benefit Solutions | Chad & Sheila Canfield (Westland)
➡️ **VOLUNTEERS**
Weechi-it-te-win Family Services | Seven Generations Education Institute | Treaty 3 Police | Giishkandagolkqwe Health Services | Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access | Grand Council Treaty No. 3 | Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong | Town of Fort Frances
➡️ **CONTRIBUTORS**
MJ Interactive (Maverick Judson) | Wes Debungie & Dark Horse Live Band | Theoren Anderson & Kyle Fiddle Music| Caul's Catering | Dominos Pizza | Lou's Sweet Treats | Batter 'n' Cream | Little Otter Economic Development Corporation | Baker Graphics | One Eleven Marketing | Big Dom's Inflatables | Amazing Entertainment | Power Corporation | J.N. Webb Wholesale | Patty Bruyere Catering | Tracy Isaac Catering | Tim Horton's | Tammy Ryll | Brandon Whalen | Stantec (Little Otter Professionals Inc.) | Dale Morrisseau & Mitaanjigamiing Team (Fireworks)
👕 **Celebration Shirts & Teachings**
A special highlight goes to the Seven Generations Education Institute's Anishinaabemodaa Program, whose teachings and interpretations were beautifully woven into our celebration shirts. The message printed on them: “GIDAZHE- ODAAPINAAMIN AKA GAA-GII-AWI'INANG MANIDOO" translates to: *“We are taking back the land that was lent to us by the Creator.”
This teaching grounded the entire gathering in purpose, reminding us of our sacred relationship with the land and our responsibility to protect it.
A big miigwech as well for the generous gifting of Anishinaabemowin children’s books, helping our young ones connect with language, story and identity.
➡️ **TO OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS**
A special miigwech to our friends and neighbours who joined us in celebration, whether you came to learn, support, or simply be present. Your curiosity, kindness, and respect helped make this gathering even more meaningful. We’re grateful you stood with us.
🌟 May the spirit of this celebration continue to guide our steps forward.
🧡 Take a moment to reflect, tag someone who helped make this day unforgettable, and share what this gathering meant to you.
