M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION—The Chi-Nishnaabe Dibaajimowinan Book Club welcomed Anishinaabe author Waubgeshig Rice on December 18 for a special in-person gathering held at Bittersweet Tea Company in M’Chigeeng First Nation.
The event marked the third of six monthly meetings in the book club’s current series and was made possible through funding support from Noojmowin Teg Health Centre. The book club is part of a broader effort to raise awareness and encourage community conversation around the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement.
“Over the past several months, participants have been reading and discussing Moon of the Crusted Snow and Moon of the Falling Leaves. Rice’s visit provided an opportunity for deeper reflection on the themes explored in the novels, including community responsibility, leadership, and the impacts of colonial systems on Indigenous families and governance,” the release explained.
“The gathering emphasized respectful dialogue rather than formal presentation, aligning with the book club’s goal of creating a community-centred space for Indigenous storytelling, learning, and reflection. Participants shared insights developed through months of reading together, grounding the discussion in lived experience and contemporary realities.”
Organizers noted that the Chi-Nishnaabe Dibaajimowinan Book Club is currently full, reflecting strong community interest in Indigenous literature and dialogue-based learning spaces. While registration is closed, community members with questions about the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement are encouraged to contact Noojmowin Teg Health Centre and ask to speak with Rebecca Dantouze, Dan Manitowabi or Jacob Dayfox.
The book club will continue through the spring, with three additional monthly meetings planned, building on the conversations, relationships and shared learning fostered throughout the series.
