M’CHIGEENG—Friday, September 19 marked the beginning of a three-day Eagle Staff gathering in M’Chigeeng. The first day of the gathering was all about the children. “It was decided to have one special day just for children,” said Christine Migwans, one of the volunteer organizers of the weekend gathering.
“We know they can’t sit for hours to just listen, so we put up these booths so they can walk around to each resource centre and learn the history, the stories and the protocols and the aspects of wellness,” Ms. Migwans said. “Today is a very casual event. Kids are meeting each other from different schools too; it’s not just one school. We’re giving them time to socialize, meet people from other communities; make some space for that. It’s a little informal today, but at the same time we have specific learning objectives that we want to meet.”
There were 110 students registered for the day. School buses brought children in from Wiikwemkoong and Sudbury, as well as closer communities. The M’Chigeeng Powwow grounds teemed with students checking out the 1836 Treaty Pipe and wampum beads the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation had on display. They listened to the stories and took part in the crafts offered up by other organizations. Mnaamodzawin Health Services, Kenjgewin Teg and others were on hand, and the sacred fire burned continually, offering a quiet, prayerful respite.
After an hour of crafts, stories and socializing, the Eagle Staff teachings began with prayer, drum and song. Students from each school came forward with their school’s Eagle Staff, setting them out for all to see. There were teachings from several speakers, “An Eagle Staff is part of our identity, it’s who we are,” said Dan. “The Eagle Staff will guide you, if you feed your spirit, give it nourishment.”
The very first Eagle Staff gathering was held in Sault Ste. Marie in 2001. A teacher who worked at Sault College had a recurring dream about teachers coming to her school, specifically Eagle Staffs coming in. These visions led her to host the very first Eagle Staff gathering at Sault College. She felt it was important to have them brought to the college for everyone to enjoy. From then on, a tradition was established, and Eagle Staff gatherings have been held each year since. Both Canada and the US take part and take turns hosting. “I won’t be surprised if it’s an American community that will stop us and say ‘we want to host next year’,” Ms. Migwans said. She explained there’s a process and a protocol in deciding where it will be held next. Once the proposals come in, the committee discusses it and makes the announcement of where it goes next year.
On Saturday, September 20, the adults gathered, families with children too. Eagle Staffs arrived from Wisconsin, Michigan and parts of southern Ontario, over 50 staffs with a grand entry at 9 am. Ceremonies and teachings went on for a full day-and-a-half, and there was feasting. “We have veterans who served in the military and those leaders are here with their staffs, chiefs and councils with their community staffs are joining us. We also have clan families, and they will be represented in the circle and, lastly, we have individual staffs – people who have had an experience and are on their wellness journey, and they found their purpose to be able to support leadership. So, it’s a time for gathering to promote the traditional principals: it’s not really about war, it’s about love, and how do you love your people. We’re looking for the teachings from all the leaders’ perspectives, to guide us and give us goals to work on.
“It’s an experience. It’s not like a class where we write, we listen. The things that strike you are the things you’ll take away from here, those that touch your heart.” Ms. Migwans said in explaining the event.
Two years ago, the Eagle Staff gathering was held in Sheguiandah First Nation and the elders felt it was important to make space for the children, the future staff carriers. At that time, it was decided that everyone would bring one child to the gathering. This year, an entire day has been given to the children. “There’s a commitment that we have to the youth to find a good journey. We love the children, and we want to guide them in a good way, teach them how to be well in all ways that they can.” Ms. Migwans said. And Friday’s teachings on the powwow grounds in M’Chigeeng did just that.
by Margery Frisch
