M’CHIGEENG—If it had been ordered specifically, the day could not have been more perfect for Kenjgewin Teg’s annual Fall Harvest – sunny and warm, but not too warm. School buses arrived from all over the Island, and Sudbury too. The event began with an opening ceremony and smudge with Elder-in-Residence and Traditional Knowledge Holder, Josh Eshkawkogan.
One could say there was something for everyone, and as worn a cliché as that is, it was true. Teens, mostly male, were immediately drawn to the deer harvesting booth. Cole Corbiere and his Property Development team demonstrated deer harvesting, giving interested individuals a hands-on cultural experience.
There were many crafts for the younger children as well. Bracelet making was popular as was creating nature bookmarks at the UCCMM Youth Reintegration Team’s booth, using local plants and natural materials. Botanical printing was another booth that attracted much attention. Sarah Earley, with the help of Scott Miller instructed bus loads of kids on how to create beautiful works of art through nature. Cheyanne Pitawanakwat was instructing students on how to transform natural materials, like those of her tanned fish skins, into beautiful usable art, all while exploring cultural teachings.
For the hungry, there were numerous ways to quell the appetite. Noojmowin Teg was inviting everyone to taste their pulled moose tacos. Gwekwaadziwin Miikan was offering silver dollar pancakes, and Chef Pamela Roy (aka President of Kenjgewin Teg) was offering traditional fried scone while sharing their cultural roots at the same time.
The UCCM Police fish fry had to be cancelled last minute, but the UCCM Police were still on hand, interacting with the students just the same. The United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising Administration and Lands Department were demonstrating moose calls and teaching the techniques of the Anishinaabe hunters, connecting with the land and wildlife.
Science North was drawing crowds with their ‘Animal Extravaganza,’ teaching all kinds of interesting facts about habitats and the animals that play an important role in our environment. There were so many booths, all with interesting information to share and things to do, and all with connections to nature; to our earth, our environment and the food that we eat.
Though there were no potato sack races, the ‘Boots & Ribbons’ jigging with the Kenjgewin Teg Anishinaabe-aadiziwin Team drew big crowds and lots of laughter. Celebrating Anishinaabe style and flair, all were encouraged to wear their best ribbon skirts or ribbon shirts, cowboy boots and hats and to strut their stuff. The accompanying music set the pace and, though the contest was slow to start, once it began, more and more people wanted to take part. Prizes were won for best dressed, best strut and most creative moves. Young and old took part and participants and spectators alike thoroughly enjoyed the show.
The crowds were slow to arrive at the beginning of the event, and Debbie Debassige, Dean of Post Secondary Education and Training, wondered if it was because many schools seem to be having their own fall fairs these days, but they did come. Seven hundred and seventy people attended the Fall Harvest, as well, there were 35 booths from area organizations, businesses and individuals. “It was a great turnout,” said Robin Anderson, marketing and communications specialist at Kenjgewin Teg. A beautiful day that was well organized and well received.
by Margery Frisch
