SHEGUIANDAH—On Friday, September 12, Noojmowin Teg hosted its 2nd annual Fall Harvest Day. Denver Leeson, Food is Medicine coordinator and organizer of the event, beamed her pride at this year’s Fall Harvest, as buses brought students in from Little Current, Central Manitoulin, MSS and Wiikwemkoong. “Last year we held this event on a Saturday,” Ms. Leeson said, shaking her head. “The Sheguiandah Fall Fair was happening too. It was disappointing. So, we decided to have it on the Friday, and we’ve been getting calls all week long, schools wanting to come and organizations wanting to set up and join us. We said, ‘Sure, come’.”

To further engage the public, but most especially the students, passports were handed out upon arrival. Each table, or station, was equipped to stamp the passports. “Ask me a question and I’ll stamp your passport,” said Cheyanne Pitawanakwat, at her booth, covered in tanned and tinted fish skins and displaying the art she creates with them – Fish Tan Creations.

Kenjgewin Teg had a booth, Krista Payette and Alayna Cranston were ready and eager to talk about the many courses and fields of study that are available. Mnaamodzawin Health Services was set up to inform about diabetes, with proper diet and recipes to control it. Manitoulin Streams was on hand; Liam Campbell had his table covered with animal skulls. “I draw the kids in with the skulls, but I talk to them about invasive species,” he said with a smile.

Shane O’Donnell from Heartwood Mushrooms had a popular booth as he was inviting everyone to grow oyster mushrooms with kits he was providing. Rainbow Farm North was encouraging kids to get their hands dirty in the soil. The Anishinaabe Spiritual Centre was set up to greet visitors, encouraging all to make tobacco pouches to be given away or offered in thanksgiving at a sacred fire. Neil Debassige was drawing kids in with his wildlife displays, and the UCCM Police had a tipi set up, explaining the symbolism of the artwork on the outside of the structure. They had a barbecue going too. 

In addition to all these fascinating tables and displays, there was food from the harvest – squash soup and moose chili cooked up by Noojmowin staff. Given Cortes was set up to instruct groups in archery and Jonn Neveau was sharing his knowledge of the flowers and plants around us and their medicinal benefits. Noojmowin staff were also manning the craft tables and showing how tomatoes are harvested and canned. 

There was truly something to grab and hold just about everyone’s interest. Said one contributor who has taken part both years, “A huge difference this year. This one was great!” And the crowds that gathered and lingered were the proof.

by Margery Frisch