Learning together on National Indigenous Peoples Day
By Kelly Anne Smith
NORTH BAY—On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the North Bay Museum and Community Waterfront Park hosted a public event— Learning Together.
In 1996, Canada selected the summer solstice to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.
It is the day “for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.”
Outdoor at the museum, about a hundred people gathered at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre tent and teepee to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture.
Sid Bobb in his regalia had just finished instructing on Indigenous culture for three busloads of school children.
Bobb’s great grandfather, Chief Dan George, was not allowed to give a speech when invited to appear in a televised address in front of 35,000 people in Vancouver in 1967. Chief George turned his speech into a spoken word performance leaving many to think critically on Indigenous issues. A Lament for Confederation continues to resonate.
Bobb carries on.
“We are trying to connect them with our culture to overcome that big void that still exists in different parts of our country.”
Bobb gave thanks to the beautiful territory of the Anishinaabe People of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty.
“That fantastic strength and generosity in ensuring the people here had peaceful relations and knowledge to ensure nobody went hungry.”
He gave thanks to the fish, winged creatures and insects.
“Now it’s our turn to feast them. And give thanks to the four legged, the moose, the deer, the lynx, the otter. All those wonderful beings that live in this territory.”
He gave thanks to the two legged.
“The Anishnabe, the Algonquin, the Haudenosaunee – the people of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty, that have given us the hope that we can live together and we can share the bounty of this region.”
Finishing his gratitude list, Bobb gave thanks to all of the beautiful teachings the Anishinaabe People carry forward.
Bobb shared his story of being a Salish person from Sto:lo territory on the Fraser River and the Inlet.
“I’m to behave according to those Treaties – to be a peaceful, generous individual.”
He talked of the importance of ceremony and of his work with his wife Penny Couchie of Nipissing First Nation. They are co-directors of Aanmitaagzi at the Big Medicine Studio. Bobb explained the Nbisiing People were known as the Big Medicine People. The couple provide the space and spark for community cultural knowledge and art making.
Sid Bobb danced for the circle of onlookers. He seemed to turn into a Prairie Grouse with outstretched wings and belled feet stomping the grass. Soon others were in a circle joining him, dancing.
Joining in, Roger Assinewe sang songs at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’s teepee. He talked about sharing his gift of song with others.
“I sing for the people. My ancestors come to me to allow me to do this,” he explained. “You get the goose bumps, right? That is energy. That sound is resonating through our energy and connecting with us. I try and portray positive energy to everyone that I share with.”
Assinewe was taught his Indigenous ways at the age of 14.
“I’ve been singing for 28 years. I’ve been practicing for 28 years.”
He sang with his hand drum accompanying him, hitting all of the high notes.
Alex DeGagne, the Urban Aboriginal Strategy Coordinator at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, was on-hand to share information about doing one’s part for reconciliation.
“A Friendship Centre is a place full of information. Anybody there is willing to sit down and talk to somebody and provide more information. Research is also great.”
DeGagne is also part of Reconciliation North Bay. He says reconciliation is about listening and about coming together.
“Understanding the Indigenous ways and the past, what has happened. It is how we together can move forward and make things better.”