Beausoleil’s oldest citizen honoured for inspiration
By Sharon Weatherall
BEAUSOLEIL FN – Nellie Mixemong, the oldest Beausoleil First Nation citizen, was among nine community members honoured in 2013 with Anishinabek Nation Lifetime Achievement Awards.
At 98, Nellie – known as “Auntie” to members of the Christian Island community –was recognized for many contributions, including her prowess as a crafter of quill, birch bark, sweetgrass and beading works, as a storyteller, and as someone who has always demonstrated love of community and people.
“I am very proud to be recognized by my community with the award,” said Nellie, who says she loves and prays for everyone.
Nominator Melinda Mixemong refers to Nellie as the “inspiration” of her community. The respected Elder still speaks the Ojibway language, telling wonderful stories and translating.
“She has been a great teacher and is truly a living legend,” said Mixemong.”She has outlived several prime ministers and chiefs on the island and her whole life has been truly remarkable.”
Nellie’s award was one of six presented during a Christian Island Community Meeting in December. Three Beausoleil citizens received their awards at the 15th annual Anishinabek Evening of Excellence in Sudbury earlier in the year.
The Evening of Excellence is a fundraising initiative of the Anishinabek Nation Seventh Generation Charity (AN7GC). The sister corporation of the Union of Ontario Indians near North Bay works to ensure funding resources are available for Anishinabek Nation citizens to access in time of need, where no other funding is available, in the areas of culture, education, health, social, youth, Elders, emergency crisis and disaster relief.
Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare said he was honoured to be presenting the prestigious awards which he said were established as “a gift to the people” in recognition of their life accomplishments.
“Over the last 15 years $655,000 has gone to First Nation communities thanks to this charity,” said Hare.
Other 2013 Beausoleil First Nations honourees were:
– Diane Forget (Culture)for using Anishinaabemowin in the community’s Long Life Care program as well as in her adopted community (Barrie) through her connection at the Barrie Friendship Centre.
– Hazel Copegog for her involvement with the homemakers club, the St. Theresa’s club and educational committees. She speaks to her children in the language, encourages her grandchildren to finish school and assists daycare staff with language taught to toddlers.
– Janice Monague (Public Service) has been a loyal First Nation staff member since the mid-70s, working in the finance department providing Status Card updates, in addition to her roles in finance and payroll.
– Velma Smith (Culture, Public Service) is regarded as important community resource in times of grief. She has devoted her life to the church, and her quill boxes were presented to Pope John Paul and the Royal Family. Velma is an Anishinaabemowin speaker.
– Cheryl and late Frank Sutherland were catalysts for many area Aboriginal organizations, including S.U.N. Housing, Barrie Friendship Centre, Barrie Native Advisory Circle, Rising SUN Women’s Support Group and Endaad Housing in Orillia. Cheryl and Frank graduated with the native Counsellors Certificates through ONECA.
– Leon King helped foster native culture and spiritual awareness in his community. Leon carries the Pipe of a great uncle and dedicates his life to sharing his teachings. He has helped others on and off the reserve and recently completed his Language Immersion program.
– Louise King (Culture) is an elder who is still making crafts with leather, sweetgrass, and quills. Fluent in Anishinaabemowin, Louise is an active Elder in the United Church and in First Nation healing circles.
– The late Michael Sandy was nominated by BFN chief and council for Political Leadership. Born and raised in Chimnissing he spent a lifetime helping and building community. As an entrepreneur Mike began a construction company to assist in development and infrastructure of roads, homes, schools, recreation and administration buildings.
For more information on the AN7GC including how to nominate someone for an Anishinabek lifetime achievement award, please visit the AN7GC website at www.an7gc.ca.