Seniors Centre

 

The elders are bridges to the old way

 

They are the custodians of the culture, for it is by the language and the stories that a people’s culture and history are known. Some of the stories of the elders of Neyaashiinigmiing are told in two books about them published by the Band.

 

Here are stories of great hardship: residential school brutality, sacrifice and pain from the wars, hostility to their ancient claims and rights, poverty and the grinding effects of the Indian Act.

 

And yet, shining through the hardship is their sense of dignity, humor and determination that must be at the heart of the reason we have survived as a people. Not only survived, but thrived, for that spirit can be seen in the young as well. It can be seen in the advances the Band is making, in how it is turning court-recognized commercial fishing rights into a viable economy and Nawash into a leader in fisheries management, and in how we are re-asserting our ancient responsibilities to all our relations by intervening when environmental harm threatens our traditional territories.

 

Elders are intricately involved with these initiatives. They have appeared in court to give testimony to our traditional ways. They are involved in running a successful alternative justice program that uses traditional ways to reintegrate into the community people who have committed offences. They are

teaching Anishnabemowin (the Ojibway language) in the local schools and in the community. A 2004 Statistics Canada report indicates that Native children who spend time with elders are more likely to do better in school.

 

Maadookii means “sharing” in our language. It is the name of the seniors’ group at Neyaashiinigmiing and also the building in which they meet.

 

Maadookii Centre

 

Seniors are a growing segment of our population. We estimate that by the year 2010 our on-reserve elder population will more than double. Many more who might be living off reserve will want to return home.

 

The Maadookii Seniors Centre was started in 1990 with a $350 donation from elder Verna Johnston. That same year the Maadookii Seniors Group drew

up their constitution that set out their purpose and objectives:

 

Left to right: Ron Andrews, Stella Johnston, Christine Keeshig (ED), Isabel Millette, Marie Morgan, Beth Stadelbauer

 

Programming at Maadookii

 

The first building was built by volunteers from the community. Since then, the Maadookii Centre has become a favorite meeting spot for other programs and activities. It is frequently used to host meetings and dinners with visiting groups from outside the reserve. Wakes are held here and are well attended by family, friends and the community. It is truly a sharing place, reflective of the elders themselves.

 

The Maadookii Centre is home to a number of services and activities for seniors.

 

Nawash Veterans have served their Nation well

 

Chief James Nawash served at the right hand of Tecumseh during the War of 1812. In the two major wars of the 20th Century, the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation sent the largest proportion of eligible males of any community in Canada.

 

 

 

Veterans in Picture

Fifth row, left to right: Ephraim Ashkewe, Resime Akiwenzie, Sylvester Keeshig, Allan Sky, John Wesley Keeshig, Stephen Proulx, Henry Johnston, Archie Johnston.

 

Fourth row, left to right: “Paddy” Lavalley, Fred Lavalley, John McLeod, Peter Nadjiwon, Paul Nadjiwon, Gregor Keeshig, Peter Akiwenzie, Charles Akiwenzie, Peter Desjardine, Oliver Johnston, John Jones.

 

Third row, left to right: Peter Martin, Bernard Solomon, Harry Taytor, Edward Akiwenzie, Andrew Akiwenzie, Lennox Johnston, Matthew Solomon, Charles Pedoniquotte, Daniel Proulx.

 

Second row, left to right: Francis Ritchie, Alex Johnston, Levi Chegahno, Elias Mitchell, Little Morgan Johnston, Mike Lavalley, Alex Taylor, Burlyn Lavalley, William Akiwenzie.

 

First row, left to right: Wilfred Lamorandiere, Wellington Pedoniquotte, Enoch Taylor, Lt. Patterson, Barney Keeshig, Little Walter Lavalley, James Tomah, Little Martin Lavalley.

 

Missing: Daniel Elliotte, Joe Elliotte, Duncan Elliotte, Laurier Elliotte, Frank Lavalley, Jr , Joseph Shawangishig, Lawrence Keeshig, Willis Keeshig and William Johnston.

 

 

Standing: Ronald Johnston, Ernie Nadjiwon, Ross Johnston, Gordon Johnston, Wilmer Nadjiwon, Ted Johnston, Giles Keeshig, AFN Grand Chief Matthew Coon-Come

 

Seated: Vera Kukhta, Vincent Nadjiwon, Oliver Deleary, George Keeshig.

 

 

• 6 one bedroom apartments, each 748 sq ft, including kitchen, dining/living area, bathroom, bedroom and storage area
• 4 two bedroom apartments, each 893 sq ft, including kitchen, dining/living area, bathroom, two bedrooms and storage area
• 3 bachelor apartments, each 300 sq ft of living and sleeping areas lounge, exercise room and program space
• radiant heating (hot water piped under the floors)
• energy saving fluorescent lighting