Ceremonial Feast carefully planned for Anishinabek Nation Memorial Round Dance
By Kelly Anne Smith
NIPISSING FIRST NATION – About two hundred people gathered for a ceremonial feast to lead the night in a good way for the 2018 Memorial Round Dance.
Elder Gordon Waindubence led a pipe ceremony. Waindubence prayed for six special foods and water which were offered to each participant. Many male volunteers of all ages gave the offerings.
Seven offerings were given to each person in the large circle at Nbisiing Secondary School. Some ceremonial feast supporters suggested the details of the ceremonial feast are sacred and knowledge for only those in attendance.
A blanket was set with many dishes and pots of food by women. Men served the feast to everyone from the huge pots and dishes.
The ceremonial corn soup was a culinary hit. The delicious dishes kept coming until everyone was fed well and ready for the evenings Memorial Round Dance. An experienced woman at the ceremonial feast placed one finger on the bowl or dish to indicate to the server she didn’t want anymore.
The Social department of the Anishinabek Nation diligently worked hard to create a series of events focusing on healing to lead up to the Memorial Round Dance. An opening ceremony started the two-day sessions at Big Medicine Studio. A sharing circle took place with Elder Donna Debassige and sweat lodge ceremonies were held with Elder Gordon Waindubence and Elder Lorraine White Duck Liberty. Art to heal was taught by Mary Pheasant and motivational speaker Tala Tootoosis spoke on the importance of Ribbon Skirt teachings. Anishinaabemowin Bingo was a great success Saturday morning with Tory Fisher.
Laureen Linklater-Pizzale is the Family and Well-Being Coordinator for Anishinabek Nation. Linklater-Pizzale says the social department decided a forum was needed to support our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and families. “Cultural interventions are our primary focus. We thought it would be a good opportunity to have a gathering today to support the families and start the new year off in a good way.”
An invitation was extended to Da-namaamin Moseyang giw-ganchigaazjig Kwewag, the youth walkers committed to a prayer walk across Canada to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered. Branden Emmerson said “We are from Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation,” with Julie Robichaud offering the spelling while explaining their home of Cape Croker has recently been changed to the traditional name of Neyaashiinigmiing. “We come 600 km already,” beamed Julie. Branden, Julie, Tiana Fillo, Carlene Keeshig and recent to join Aaron Keeshig, are citizens of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. Jacqueline Hines from the United States is walking as well.
Branden talked about how the youth group is taking a pro-active approach with the walk to bring awareness to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. “To show unity not only within First Nations but also from family to family to show support for the families left behind after these incidents.”
Branden says the group is striving to raise awareness to the outside community too. “People may have heard of the acronym MMIW but that is about it. So, this way we are able to put a personal face on to each case and explain we are walking for this woman this day. We will tell a bit of stories around her disappearance and we make sure to honour the family that has been left behind. If we make mention, they know that their loved one isn’t being forgotten.” The walkers hope to complete the 16,700 km walk by December. “
“We all heal in different ways,”points out Linklater-Pizzale. “We wanted to provide an avenue to support that healing for our families that are affected by their loved ones being gone.”
People seek ceremonies. People seek church, faith, and meditation. This a forum they can express what they are going through and what their future looks like. An avenue for healing. And we open with ceremony. And we close with ceremony.”