Anishinabek Nation celebrates Anishinabek achievement and success

September 10, 2019

Evelyn McLeod of Nipissing First Nation accepts her Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award on August 14 in Chippewas of Rama First Nation. – Photo by Laura Barrios

By Jason Restoule

CHIPPEWAS OF RAMA FIRST NATION— On the evening of August 14, the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity (AN7GC) proudly hosted the 21st Annual Anishinabek Evening of Excellence. The event took place on Chippewas of Rama First Nation Territory at Casino Rama.

Each year, the AN7GC coordinates this important annual event that is not only inspirational, but empowering and a source of pride for our Anishinabek citizens. It is a celebration of Anishinabek achievement and success, with the highlights including the presentation of scholarships to exceptional post-secondary students, as well as prestigious Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards to outstanding Anishinabek citizens.

Some 250 people attended and enjoyed a wonderful evening celebrating eight (8) student scholarship recipients as well as 16 proud Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. In addition to the award presentations, the evening included keynote address by author Penny Tremblay during the dinner portion of the evening.

Brandy George of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation accepts her Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Joe Miskokomon. – Photo by Laura Barrios

The 2019 Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are:

Mary Evelyn Banning—Fort William First Nation

Wayne Beaver—Alderville First Nation

Leland Bell—Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory

Chief Patsy Corbiere—Aundeck Omni Kaning

Mary Jane Fraser—Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

Brandy George—Kettle & Stony Point First Nation

Leona Irons—Curve Lake First Nation

Evelyn McLeod—Nipissing First Nation

Gert Nootchtai—Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

Cecilia Pitawanakwat—Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory

Beverly Restoule—Dokis First Nation

Geraldine Robertson—Aamjiwnaang First Nation

Chief Kirby Whiteduck—Algonquins of Pikwakanagan

Dr. Shirley Cheechoo

Dr. Paul Chris & Dr. Catherine Chiarelli

Sterling Finlayson of Long Lake #58 First Nation is one of this year’s Anishinabek Student Excellence Award recipients. – Photo by Laura Barrios

This year’s Anishinabek Student Excellence Award recipients are:

Michelle Edgar—Mississaugas of Scugog Island

Sterling Finlayson—Long Lake #58 First Nation

Aaron Grootenboer—Algonquins of Pikwakanagan

Raven Hopper—Kettle & Stony Point First Nation

John Hupfield—Wasauksing First Nation

Sarah Johnson-Owl—Sagamok Anishnawbek

Laura Thomerson—Munsee Delaware Nation

Dana Tucker—Dokis First Nation

Vince and Anita Chechock receive the 2019 Debwewin Citation. – Photo by Laura Barrios

In addition to the scholarships and Lifetime Achievement Awards, there was also a presentation of the Debwewin Citation Award. The Debwewin Citations are the first major awards intended to recognize and encourage excellence in reporting about First Nations issues by both First Nations people and other writers. The award name reflects the Anishinaabemowin word for “truth” which literally means “to speak from the heart”.

The 2019 Debwewin Citation Award recipients were Vince & Anita Chechock of Wasauksing First Nation.

Congratulations and thank you to all of the award recipients!

The Anishinabek Evening of Excellence would not be possible without the generous financial contributions of devoted sponsors. Their contributions are truly the foundation of this event. Chi-Miigwetch to Union Gas, Ontario Power Generation, Casino Rama Resort, WP Financial, Bell, Hydro One, Choice Hotels, Quattro Hotel Sault Ste. Marie, Holiday Inn Sudbury, and Delta Sault Ste. Marie!

The AN7GC is extremely proud of the success of this year’s event and is already looking forward to hosting the 22nd Annual Anishinabek Evening of Excellence in 2020!

For Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award nomination information or for scholarship application information, please visit the AN7GC website at www.an7gc.ca.