Sagamok Anishinawbek observes Ensa bezhik binoojiinh kchi twaawendaagzi Giizhgat – Every One Child is Very Sacred Day

Trigger warning: readers may be triggered by the recount of Indian Residential Schools. To access a 24-hour National Crisis Line, call: 1-866-925-4419. Community Assistance Program (CAP) can be accessed for citizens of the Anishinabek Nation: 1-800-663-1142.

Scores of people took part in a Round Dance in the middle of the Trans Canada Highway near McKellar to honour children who attended Indian Residential Schools.

By Leslie Knibbs

SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK— The Grandmothers and Aunties in Sagamok Anishnwabek First Nation were asked by the youth in their community what would be a good name, perhaps a better name, for the day remembering children, especially those who attended Indian Residential Schools. Sept. 30 was proclaimed National Truth and Reconciliation Day by the federal government and is now recognized as a national holiday by Canada, which also falls on Orange Shirt Day. Following the proclamation by the federal government, the Youth Council in Sagamok decided there was an urgent need to come up with another name for this day of remembrance to honour all children.

Following a dialogue between the Sagamok Youth Council and the Grandmothers and Aunties, Sept. 30 will now be known in Sagamok as Ensa bezhik binoojiinh kchi twaawendaagzi Giizhgat, translated into English meaning, “Every One Child is Very Sacred Day”.

“This is a name that has come from our Grandmas and Aunties for us to call September 30, and remember together this year and each year to come,” stated Robert Porter, Sagamok spokesperson. “While Canadians are observing September 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in Sagamok, we will use the date to remember all our children who attended Indian Residential Schools, especially those who never returned home.”

September 30 began this year with a Sunrise Ceremony on the grounds of Biidaaban School in Sagamok and ended at sunset with a candlelight vigil at West Point Beach.  Throughout the day, a Sacred Fire was tended by Firekeepers showing respect and honour to all those who attended Indian Residential Schools.

All actions on September 30 were led by the Sagamok Youth Council including a gathering at Highways 6 and 17 involving a traffic slowdown and stoppage for Round Dances. Scores of community members and allies assembled holding Round Dances in the middle of the highway in memory of the children. Dozens of hand drummers took part in the dance. An invitation was sent to all youth of the Robinson Treaty Territory and Manitoulin Island to come out and share this special day of awareness.  A special invitation also went to all Grandmothers, Aunties, Grandpas, Uncles, Moms, and Dads to support the youth. Everyone attending wore orange shirts in tribute to the children.

Ontario Provincial Police officers attended to provide security and safe traffic controls while Sagamok By-Law Officers were there to ensure COVID-19 pandemic protocols were observed.  Sagamok First Response Services were also on hand to provide First Aid Services if needed.  Traffic was stopped on two occasions at the gathering for the Round Dances.

Sagamok Chief Alan Ozawanimke attended, taking part in the Round Dance as well as speaking to those gathered sharing messages of truth, hope, and love.  Following the gathering, Chief Ozawanimke made his way to the former  Indian Residential School site in Spanish where a group of Sagamok community members and their allies had gathered for a vigil remembering the children who attended the institutions.