Lifetime Achievement Awards presented virtually to deserving Anishinabek
ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY – The 2020 Evening of Excellence took place virtually on Jan. 27, 2022, to honour those who have made their communities stronger and have enriched the lives of many with Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards. Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief presented the awards at the 21st annual event which is normally a very wonderful in-person event.
Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity Manager Jason Restoule says that he hopes to host the 2021 event in person summer 2022. The Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity (AN7GC) is committed to improving the quality of life of Anishinabek Nation citizens by providing support where no other funding exists.
Rubina Nebenionquit – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Environment category
Rubina Nebenionquit has dedicated herself to the stewardship and protection of Atikameksheng lands for over 20 years. She began serving her community in 1978,
working as a librarian and coordinating programming for youth and Elders. Realizing that youth were committing to public programming, she began to explore intergenerational programs including making regalia for the recently revitalized pow wows. In 1986, she began her role as the Lands Trust Officer, working in land management and administration. She was instrumental in guiding the developmental phases of the land-use planning and environmental protection planning following the community’s ratification of its land code in 2008. Many Indigenous employees face balancing trust and commitment to her people while still abiding by rules and procedures of provincial and federal governments. Rubina spent time enhancing her understanding of non-Indigenous governance through education during evenings and weekends. This experience opened doors to enhanced municipal relations, emphasized the importance of partnerships, and created a clear channel of communication with non-Indigenous partners. Through all this, Rubina says, “Keep two minds when you are a servant of the government, and you have to keep your people in mind. Your people come first, no matter what.”
Sandra Margaret Peltier – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Culture category
Sandra Peltier is a survivor of Indian Day School and is committed to the preservation of Anishinaabemowin. As a young parent she made the difficult decision to pursue her
education, having to leave her children with extended family for periods while she travelled to school. It soon paid off as she successfully completed her studies and became a teacher. Her focus is on Anishinaabemowin, sharing her knowledge with youth and becoming a language specialist within her community. She also works with special needs children, accommodating the needs of the gifted children in her community. Outside of these interests, she can always be found lending a helping hand at cultural events and fundraisers, working toward the betterment of the community.
James Megwanabe – Whitefish River First Nation, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Public Service category
James Megwanabe was born and raised in his community of Whitefish River First Nation. Serving his community as a councillor for two terms, he also served as the Public Works Manger and Fire Chief. Through is leadership and guidance, the community was able to acquire the proper equipment to ensure the Fire Brigade was properly outfitted with the required equipment. During his time, he was instrumental in the formation of a Mutual Aid Assistance Agreement with the neighbouring communities and First Nation Fire Departments ensuring expanded fire services and rescue capacity for all. As fire departments are often underfunded, James worked tirelessly coordinating and supporting numerous fundraising activities raising tens of thousands of dollars. These funds were used to purchase a new fire pumper truck, a rescue van, auxiliary equipment and uniforms. He was also very active with the community’s sports and recreation over the years as a coach, founder, and player.
Jim Meness – Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Political Leadership category
Jim Meness has been a councillor for his community of Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation since 1999. He has dedicated his life to working with and for his home community holding many portfolios over the past 20 plus years. Most recently he has held the Health and Economic Development portfolios and has been successful in achieving a family Health Team for the community and was an essential part of the establishment of a new Assisted Living Centre for seniors. He has also been instrumental in economic development initiatives, contributing to the development of green energy projects, which are now generating income for the First Nation. Jim is also very active and deeply involved in the Algonquin Land Claim negotiations in the Ottawa Valley. He is recognized for his leadership skills and his dedication to his community, which is why he has been elected to Council for over 20 years.
Ivy Restoule – Dokis First Nation, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts and Culture category
At the age of 86 years, Ivy Restoule is still an active member in her community of Dokis First Nation. She is known for her leather craft work making moccasins, mitts, mukluks, and many other traditional items. She is a champion when it comes to skinning and pelt handling, winning several competitions over the years. She has spent much time teaching and sharing this important cultural knowledge within her own community as well as in other communities, travelling as far as Thunder Bay. When it comes to harvesting, she teaches how to truly respect the animals that are harvested for sustenance. These days she continues to participate in traditional teachings with the youth to ensure they receive cultural teachings and life skills that can be passed to future generations. She promotes an active lifestyle. As a community Knowledge Keeper, she is still called upon to help with guidance and support.
Hazel Recollet – M’Chigeeng First Nation, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Public Service category
Hazel Recollet leads by example using her culture and language along the way. At the start of her career, she worked for 26 years in the Department of Indian Affairs servicing First Nation communities in her role as a funding officer. In this role she worked closely with many First Nations along the Northshore and Manitoulin Island, aiding in financial arrangements, budgeting, reporting, accountability framework, employee benefits, capital and infrastructure, as well as social and youth employment. For the past 18 years, she has worked with the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin as their CEO, holding the highest responsibility and accountability to the Tribal Chair and Board of Directors. She oversees the overall operation, administration, and delivery of programs and services supporting Manitoulin First Nations in several areas such as education, economic development, technical services, among others. For over 40 years she has followed the Seven Grandfather Teachings in her daily responsibilities, sharing the language and culture and is a truly an inspiring role model to others.
Deborah Pegahmagabow – Wasauksing First Nation, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Public Service category
Deborah Pegahmagabow has been an inspiration for the citizens of Wasauksing First Nation for many years. She has been serving her community for a number of years as a Councillor prior to becoming the community’s Director of Health. She has made a great positive impact for the community by expanding the health facility and adding new staff and much needed equipment. Since the pandemic began, under Deborah’s guidance, the community’s clinic was transformed into a nursing station, engaging the services of a nurse practitioner and a part-time physician. This allowed health services to be administered to citizens in a comfortable and familiar setting. She has been a steady beacon of hope for citizens of Wasauksing First Nation for many years and currently throughout these uncertain times. The dedication and sacrifice that she as demonstrated is more than deserving of this recognition.
Mary Jo Wabano – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Health category
Mary Jo Wabano has been instrumental in progressive health innovative projects and initiatives that have had far-reaching impacts locally, provincially, and nationally. Since 1985, she has dedicated her time and energy working with First Nation youth and in the field of health. Currently serving as Health Services Director in her home community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, she has a passion for children’s health and believes that we must plan for the seven generations to come. She has worked tirelessly for many years focusing on health promotion and service, innovative programming, and youth focused activities. Most recently she has worked on the development of a key initiative; an Indigenous children’s health and well-being measure to assist First Nations to identify local health needs regarding services from the child’s view utilizing cultural beliefs. Mary Jo has completed much research and has published many papers over the years in the areas of health and children’s health. Her accomplishments are too many to mention and her impact throughout the Anishinabek Nation and beyond is too big to measure. She truly is a role model and the work that she has done and continues to do will have a lasting positive impact for First Nation youth for generations.
The late Ferguson Plain – Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts category accepted by son Dakota
The late Ferguson Plain was an acclaimed children’s’ storybook author, accomplished artist, a knowledge keeper and a teacher of Anishinaabemowin. Ferguson was born with birth defects affecting his limbs. He ultimately had to have his legs removed before the age of 5. Despite growing up and living life with these disabilities, he always maintained a positive outlook, had positive words to share with others and maintained a good sense of humour. Traditionally, he used the Seven Grandfather Teachings to help guide him. He was a self-taught artist and all his works are based on Ojibwe culture. His art hangs in many galleries along with commissioned murals and paintings. He has made his home community of Aamjiwnaang proud with the publication of numerous children’s storybooks that told of community members, cultural teachings, and Anishinabemowin. In 1993, he was awarded the Commemorative Medal for his significant contribution to Canada. In addition to his storybooks and art, he taught history, Native studies, and Anishinaabemowin in many schools and communities. Throughout his life his family was always a priority. He was a loving Father, husband, grandfather and uncle. Sadly, he recently passed away in January of 2020. He will always be an inspiration and a role model in his community and for First Nation people.
The late Theresa Recollet – Whitefish River First Nation, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Public Service category accepted by son Andy
The late Theresa Recollet tirelessly served her community of Whitefish River First Nation as a leader in the administrative department for over 40 years in addition to serving two terms as councillor. Her valued and trusted efforts have affected everyone in the community at some point in time. During this time, she has held the highest standards in regards to financial accountability and transparency, helping the community towards financial strength and continued growth. She volunteered countless hours sharing her knowledge in financial services to many non-profit groups and fundraising activities and enjoyed helping in the community centre kitchen during events and gatherings. Personally, she enjoyed sports and recreational activities, and was instrumental in the development of organized sports in the community. She loved baseball and was a fixture with the Birch Island Ladies ball club, winning several championships while traveling as far as the USA to play tournaments. Sadly, Theresa recently passed to the Spirit World in 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Myles Webkamigad – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Public Service
category
Myles Webkamigad has been a lifelong resource and support to his community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Beginning in 1972 he spent 30 years working for his community in various roles from band membership to payroll and eventually settled into the finance department as the Operational Controller of Finance. During this time, he continually took advantage of training and educational opportunities, furthering his knowledge in the accounting field. In 2005, he began a new role with the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service as the Finance Manager, which he continues to this day. He is described as humble, kind, honest, ambitious with an excellent work ethic. Definitely traits of a great role model within the workplace setting and also throughout the community. [no photo of Myles]
William Swanson Sr. – Michipicoten First Nation, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Public Service category
William Swanson Sr. is a respected Elder in his home community of Michipicoten First Nation and has been an extremely active member in his community for decades. Spending 10 terms as councillor spanning 20 years. He has been an instrumental part of several claim settlements as well as a key member and advisor of several committees and working groups. He has also played a positive role in partnerships outside of the community as well. For those that know him they see him a wonderful example of someone who follows and promotes Anishinaabe Culture and someone who has a connection to the Anishinaabe way of life through family, Elders and Community. In his retirement from a successful career in the mining industry, where he was awarded a gold watch for years of accident-free safety, he spends time fishing, hunting, and trapping in addition to all of his other important roles within the community. [no photo]
Linda Petahtegoose – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the Public Service category
Linda Petahtegoose has been dedicated to serving her community of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek since 1972. There are not many individuals who have worked in as many different areas within their community as her. From Band secretary to Band Manager to Economic Development Officer to Director of Planning and Community Development. She has spent more than 30 years accomplishing many important achievements along the way. In addition to sitting on many Boards, some of her work includes overseeing and developing the Shawenekezhik Health Centre, various recreational facilities, infrastructure projects and a number of training programs. She managed the forestry program, prevention program, coordinated a land claim process, developed political and organizational structure, in addition to completing many tasks in the area of finance. Linda also left a fingerprint on a number of projects including the Business Park, Canoe Launch, Day Care, Capital Water Project, Residential Lot Development and the Community Centre. She pioneered several tourism projects including the old Hudson Bay Company post and the Trans Canada Trail in addition to establishing many partnerships along the way. In her spare time, she volunteered her skills to help her community by participating on committees, chaperoning youth, and coordinating fundraising activities as well as gatherings. [no photo]
Video of the event can be viewed here