Anishinabek honoured for their contributions

By Marci Becking

SUDBURY – Ronald George was the first, First Nations person to be appointed as Superintendent with the Ontario Provincial Police.

The Kettle and Stony Point First Nation citizen was honoured with nine other Anishinabek, including his son Jonathon, on August 20 at the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards for his dedication and commitment to public service.

George, who characterizes himself as a “soft activist”,  began his public service journey as a probation officer, eventually becoming a police officer, and attended law school.  He was worked within and alongside many agencies such as the provincial and federal police forces, academic institutions and human rights agencies.

“You have the right to speak up and say something,” says George, who has a passion of fighting for aboriginal children.  “Our future lies in those little bodies.”

He created and implemented the OPP’s Aboriginal Relations Team conflict resolution initiative, and the corporate policy “A Framework for Police Preparedness for Aboriginal Critical Incidents”.

George is currently finishing his PhD studies with a focus on Cultural Reclamation Healing and the Relationship with Law at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law.  He accredits his support from parents and his strong spirituality as a means to overcome obstacles in life.

Other Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were awarded in various areas such as education, justice, political, arts, culture and language.

Citizen of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Jonathon C. George, was accepted into law school at 20, called to the Ontario Bar at 24 and appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice at the age of 36.  He continues to be a role model for youth in his community.

The younger George’s message to those in attendance was “don’t look elsewhere”.  There are talented and skilled people right in our communities.

The Late Linda Madahbee-Thibodeau from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation was successful in establishing the first Ontario Native Women’s Association chapter on Manitoulin Island. She volunteered her time at the local hospital in the auxiliary program, along with her community’s annual pow-wow and gathering.  Sister and Chief Patsy Corbiere and grandson Damian accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award.

Roger Restoule, citizen of Dokis First Nation has been a band councillor for the past 22 years.   He’s also been on the Tribal Council Board of Directors, a volunteer firefighter, built roadways and other additions in the community, and is an inviting guide for tourists visiting the Dokis area.

Melvin Madahbee, citizen of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, has been an artist who was an original member of the group nicknamed “The Native Woodland Artist who were prevalent throughout the 1970s and 80s.  He has been painting and creating works of art since his teenage years and has secured major exhibitions throughout Canada and internationally.

The Late Diana Lariviere from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation was a cultural and traditional mentor, historian, Elder, foster parent and mother. She was largely known as the unofficial goodwill ambassador for Aundeck Omni Kaning. She volunteered at any opportunity she could to share anything she could with those in need.  Her daughter Barbara Hodge and Hodge’s niece Tate Turnbull accepted the award.

Lorraine McRae, citizen of Chippewas of Rama First Nation, has been working with the people in her community for the past 30 years promoting a healthy lifestyle.   She has worked with various education faculties in developing programs and curriculum. She began teaching the “Positive Indian Parenting Program” in the 1980s. McRae also played an active role in developing and creating a vision wheel, mission statement, and the Terms of Reference for how education is governed in Rama First Nation.

Martin Bayer, citizen of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, practices law in the areas of aboriginal law, natural resources, general litigation, commercial law and alternative dispute resolution.  He has been an integral link to the community, serving as a role model for all First Nation people, and an inspiration to the youth. His volunteer work and leadership has allowed a number of First Nation organizations to flourish and succeed. In addition to the growing success of other organizations, his membership on boards and committees has served to benefit our First Nations.  His brother, Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, accepted his award in his absence.

Mary Sego-Assinewe, citizen of Sagamok Anishnawbek, is the mother of 12 children.  Their successes inspired and motivated her to further her own education, upgrading her schooling at Cambrian College then studying at the Anishinaabemowin Teachers Program at Lakehead University. Her hard work and dedication resulted in her becoming the Language Teacher and Elder at First Nations School in Toronto.

Kettle & Stony Point First Nation citizen Ida Kitt is described as a role model of commitment to re-claiming the Anishinaabe Language. Her knowledge of the language allows her to use her Anishinaabemowin at events, ceremonies, and functions she attends throughout the region. It is a challenge to reclaim the language in a community that has lost almost all original knowledge and she is an exemplary role model for reclaiming by having her “blood memory” to draw from.

The Evening of Excellence is made possible by the following sponsors:  Westmont Hospitality Group, Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront, Ontario Power Generation, Great-West Life, Scotiabank, CN, Hydro One, Union Gas, Holiday Inn and RBC.

For more information, visit www. an7gc.ca