CHIPPEWAS OF RAMA FIRST NATION—A total of 17 Anishinaabe citizens, including nine from Manitoulin Island and area, were honoured at the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity annual Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards on August 28.

“The Anishinabek Evening of Excellence began as the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards in 1999. At that time, the goal of the event was to bring awareness to our Anishinabek Nation citizens who have succeeded in various professional endeavours.”

“Our Evening of Excellence brings together approximately 250 people annually to recognize deserving Anishinabek citizens who are presented with Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards. We recognize these people as ‘building blocks,’ to improving the lives of Anishinabek citizens and the Anishinabek Nation as a whole.”

Among the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were the late Melvina Corbiere of M’Chigeeng First Nation, Darrell Mandamin, Steven George of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Andrew J. McGregor, Danette McGregor, Gail ‘Kiki McGregor, Brian ‘Chuck’ Ziegler of Whitefish River First Nation, the late Gordon Waindubence of Sheguiandah First Nation and Verna Hardwick of Sheshegwaning First Nation who received the Anishinabek Educator Excellence award.

“Sergeant Darrell Mandamin of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) was honoured for his over 34 years of dedication and service. Darrell Mandamin has dedicated his entire career to public service through peacekeeping and policing work on behalf of the WTPS and the Anishinabek Police Service. He has been a steady, loyal ambassador of the Mukwa Dodem keeping the community safe,” his nomination states.

“Over the many years, he’s always been ready to respond with a calm demeanor in any situation whether it be a minor incident or situations which are dangerous or traumatic. As you can imagine, in his line of work he is subjected to many forms of abuse, whether it be physical, mental, verbal and even spiritual, but he is always responding in a healthy manner to ensure the safety of the people involved as well as the community at large.”

“Additionally, Sergeant Mandamin, in his role of leadership within the police service, has at times been a mentor to new recruits of First Nation and First Nation policing.”

His work has included RIDE checks, emergency response, search warrant execution and patrol duties, often during the overnight hours. He has also worked as an expert criminal investigator on the crime unit.

In July 2024, Sgt. Mandamin and Constable DiSalvo were credited with saving a family from a burning residence, risking their own lives in the process, an act that highlighted Sgt. Mandamin’s bravery and commitment to his community.

He is also recognized for his role as a mentor to new Indigenous police recruits. His efforts have helped train and guide future officers with a focus on integrity, respect and service.

“Sergeant Mandamin represents the very best of what it means to serve and protect,” said WTPS Police Chief Ron Gignac. “His unwavering dedication over 34 years, his courage in the face of danger, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of officers have left a lasting impact on our police service and our community. Darrell’s leadership and integrity are a source of pride for the WTPS, and we are honoured to see him recognized with the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Andrew McGregor, of WRFN, “is a friend, brother, father and grandfather to many, and is known as a source of wisdom, strength, and honour. An Indian Residential School Survivor, he is a man of few words. He has been a lifelong example of hard work, pride and respect.”

“He is a bridge to the past, whether it be family or community history, sharing his knowledge, stories, and traditions that connect all those who are in his presence. Family is of the utmost importance, always helping those with advice, knowledge, reassurance, or just a helping hand. He is a bridge to family history, sharing stories and family traditions that bring the past to today.”

Brian Ziegler, of Whitefish River First Nation, “Known to most as ‘Chuck,’ has served with distinction for over three decades as a police officer with the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishinaabe Police Service (UCCM APS), consistently demonstrating courage, integrity, and commitment to community.”

“His journey began in WRFN, where he was raised in a family that instilled in him the values of humility, strength, and fairness. Though his early life was marked by systemic challenges and the impacts of racial discrimination, he emerged from those experiences with deep empathy and an unshakable sense of justice. His life’s work has reflected those lessons, offering protection and compassion to the people he served.”

“Throughout his 30-year career, he has worn many hats: frontline responder, scenes of crime officer, traffic management officer, shift supervisor and lead investigator in major cases. Each role was approached with the same unwavering dedication to public safety and community well-being. The humanity he brings to the badge is what sets him apart. He has been known to lift the spirits of those around him with quick wit and a well-timed joke, even amid high-stress situations. Behind the uniform is a man deeply committed to family, community and the next generation.”

Danette McGregor, of Whitefish River First Nation, “is known as an esteemed leader and cultural advocate within her community. For over two decades, she has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of countless individuals, shaping the future through her role as an educator at the Maamwe Kendaasing Early Learning and Innovation Centre.”

“More recently, she has focused on the language. Under her leadership, the Anishinaabemowin program has flourished, becoming a cornerstone of the educational experience at Maamwe Kendaasing. Her work serves as a profound and integral link in the fabric of Anishinabek society, weaving together threads of resilience, cultural revitalization, and intergenerational healing.”

“Her lifetime work symbolizes a collective journey of resilience, healing, and cultural resurgence for the Anishinabek people. She inspires future generations to embrace their heritage, uphold their traditions, and chart a course toward a bright, more empowered future.”

Gail McGregor, also of WRFN, is “affectionately known as Kiki, and has served the community in countless roles for over 45 years. She became the youngest-ever member of the WRFN recreation committee and has never stopped showing up. She is a co-founder of the annual powwow gathering and remains a key part of its continued success. Whether organizing community events, seasonal solstice ceremonies, baby welcomes, or annual parades, she has been the quiet current behind many of the community’s most meaningful traditions.”

“Her gifts extend far beyond event coordination-she is a knowledge keeper and a spiritual woman whose wisdom profoundly shapes the lives of many, grounding others in Anishinaabe ways of being. Her work with the senior population is especially meaningful, as she brings wellness practices, language, and culturally grounded care to both elders and clients. Her journey has not been without hardship. Very few can say they have supported their First Nation from youth into their elder years with such constancy and purpose. Gail is a living thread connecting the past to the present, embodying the teachings, values, and spiritual strength of the Anishinabek people. Her work touches every life stage, from birth to death, and her presence is a reminder that tradition, kindness and hard work can build legacies that last.”

The late Melvina Corbiere of M’Chigeeng First Nation was “a residential school survivor. She often described this experience in a positive way, in the sense that it helped equip her and others with the tools they needed to be leaders of change in First Nation communities.”

“As a teacher, she inspired many students to achieve their educational goals. With her kind approach, she worked as a peer within the teaching community to help other teachers understand the First Nations people, their systems of governance, language, traditions and culture. She helped break down the barriers of colonialist attitudes towards First Nation people in a positive way.”

“After many years as a teacher, she became a principal and director of education. During this time, she was instrumental in acquiring control of the M’Chigeeng First Nations Educational system from Indian Affairs Canada, becoming one of the first First Nations in Canada to achieve broad control of their educational system.”

“She was fluent in Ojibway and had a lifetime of cultural understanding. As an elementary educator, she saw a need for resource development to help teachers with language development. With her educational background and knowledge of curriculum, she worked with the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation and the Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute to help develop books and curriculum resources in the language. These resources and others were shared with many teachers across the province and around Turtle Island to help those understand and speak Anishinaabemowin.”

“Many people in communities today credit Melvina as an integral figure in shaping the First Nation education system into what it is today. Her legacy has led many others to follow in her footsteps and become leaders in their own journey. Her love of teaching, dedication to First Nation people, and commitment to her students’ success made her an exceptional educator, and we are proud to honour her today with an Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the category of education.”

Steven George of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory “has been the local historian for Wiikwemkoong and fellow Anishinaabe communities within the Anishinaabe Territory for many years. Rooted in rich Anishinaabemowin fluency, historical knowledge and genealogy knowledge, he has been called upon to bridge the past into the present while preparing and building a future. He is often sought for his insight, reference, understanding and interpretation of Anishinaabemowin.”

At the core of being Anishinaabe is language and culture. He demonstrates his retention of culture and language while sharing it with many. His ability to recall and share history helps bridge the divide amongst generations and helps to regain identity in family and community with the knowledge that people’s identity is integral to the future of the Anishinabek.”

The late Gordon Waindubence, Sheguiandah First Nation. “Our next award recipient dedicated his life’s work to the Anishinabek Nation and tonight, we remember and honour, the late former Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit Gordon Waindubence-baa of Sheguiandah First Nation who returned to the Spirit World on November 24, 2021.”

“In 1997, former Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Vernon Roote-baa offered Elder Gordon tobacco to build a Nation. He accepted but said it would take time. He fasted and received a clear vision for Ansihinabek Nation. He set out to carve the Eagle Staff and would encourage each member First Nation to share an Eagle Feather to represent unity.”

“He worked tirelessly for over 24 years to build a Nation and to guide leadership in this endeavour. He travelled throughout the nation, sharing his cultural knowledge and gifts with determination in developing a Nation and fostering Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinabe-One Anishinaabe Family.”

“We recognize him for all he has done for the Anishinabek nation and say “Chi-Miigwech” for the following significant events: appointed as the first head Getzit of the Anishinabek Nation, implemented the stand-up election process for the Anishinabek Nation’s leadership and for the Chiefs of Ontario; Helped create Ngo Dwe Waangizid with Manitoulin Getzidjig, created the June 6 Anishinaabe Giizhigad yearly holiday in recognition of the acceptance of the Chi-Naaknigewin by Chiefs-in-Assembly on June 6, 2012;

Implemented and shared the Doodem (clan) governance system for restoration of jurisdiction in education and governance, which is carried on today by head Getzit Richard Assinewai and  Elder Gordon’s son Chop Waindubence; Taught the importance of engaging with Elders wherever we went; Built the arbour that stands at the Anishinabek Nation head office; Gifted an Eagle Feather to Getzit Richard Assinewai to become Head Getzit of the Anishinabek Nation, to carry on the important work that he started and ensure that the Nation was in good hands; provided guidance to staff, Anishinabek Chiefs, citizens and leadership and shared his kindness, built strong friendships, and showed Zaagiidwin for us all-Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe.

Verna Hardwick, Sheshegwaning First Nation. “Verna is retiring this year after 33 years in education as a qualified teacher, fluent speaker and Odawa woman. It has been said that replacing her will be impossible.”

“Verna is passionate about teaching our young people the importance of language in connecting to our culture, ceremony and Odawa identities. She has brought structure, passion and a deep love of her students to her teachings.”

“Our students are moving forward in their language because of her excellent teaching style, foundational work and dedication and commitment to the community.”