AUNDECK OMNI KANING—On July 24, when the thunder rolled in, the rain poured down and tornado warnings flashed across cell phones, Noojmowin Teg Health Centre made the quick decision to move their powwow social from outside their offices to the 4 Directions Complex in AOK.
“This was an idea one of the cultural workers had,” said Rebecca Dantouze, nurse navigator at Noojmowin Teg, “to have an informal social, to practice singing and dancing.” It was also a way to bring people together, to talk and socialize, to have dinner and connect.
Throughout the evening, the Trout Creek Settlement was mentioned numerous times. Jacob Dayfox was the Master of Ceremonies, “If you know someone, or you yourself were forcibly removed from your family, between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2022, you may be entitled to this settlement,” he told those gathered at the complex. “We don’t have a lot of information out yet; we’re still getting banners. We’re going to have a QR code on those banners that will lead you to more information and the application process.” Mr. Dayfox, one of Noojmowin’s cultural support workers, emphasized that the evening was, for the most part, simply a time to socialize, celebrate life and have some fun.
There were many children present who were all about having fun, practicing their dance steps and observing their parents, aunties and grandparents practice their dance steps too. There were spot dances and door prizes, and the atmosphere was festive and light. Executive Director Debbie Francis was also there, but she was not working, simply enjoying the evening with her daughter and her grandson.
“Two of my singers were not able to show up tonight,” Mr. Dayfox explained at the beginning of the evening, “but that’s okay. I’ve been at socials where I was the only one at the drum. That’s totally fine, but my role is to stand up here, a knowledge sharer and if any of you want to come up here and learn – young ladies, young men, older ones too. It’s never too late to learn.” As it turned out, Jonn Naveau, Daniel Manitowabi, Martin Pannamick, and later Bruce Solomon, joined in the circle, a new experience for some, but in the relaxed atmosphere of the social, a great place to practice and learn.
The first prize winner of the evening was eight-year-old Hazel McGraw; she won a $100 gift card in a spot dance.
In the July 23 issue of this newspaper, in the article ‘Noojmowin Teg mobilizing around child welfare settlement,’ the Trout Creek Settlement was explained and three new members of the Noojmowin team, recently hired to help with trauma support, were mentioned. All three, Rebecca Dantouze, Jacob Dayfox and Daniel Manitowabi, were actively taking part in the powwow social, giving the community an opportunity to get to know them. At different times, each spoke to those gathered. “If you have any questions about the Trout Creek Settlement, you can find me, I’ll be here,” said cultural support worker Daniel Manitowabi.
“And, if you want more information about the settlement, there’s a write up in this week’s Manitoulin Expositor,” Tara Dantouze, operations manager at Noojmowin Teg, added. Ms. Dantouze was filling in as MC when Jacob Dayfox was in the drum circle. “My sister, Rebecca, is one of the organizers of the event,” she explained to The Expositor, “and she just handed me the microphone.”
The evening was just what was planned, a relaxed social, families gathered to talk and watch their children run around and sometimes dance. This was a soft introduction to the Trout Creek Settlement. More information and more opportunities will follow in the coming weeks and months.
by Margery Frisch
