Culture
RATTLE - ZHIZI IGWAAN S u bm i t t e d b y To d d G e n n o , Cu l t u r a l C o o r d i n a t o r Boozhoo, my name is Todd Genno and I am the Cultural Coordinator at PRDC. This month I wanted to share about a constellation of stars called “Zhiziigwaan” which translates to “Rattle”. The key part in that word is “Ziigwaan” which means “Spring time”. In the spring time the ice begins to melt from the
bottom up. The ice at the bottom start to crystalize and when the current pushes those water crystals around it creates a sacred sound. That sacred sound resonates through out the land and it is telling the land that it is time to wake up after a long rest throughout the winter. It initiates the land to start new growth. The rattle imitates this sacred sound to wake up and invoke spirit in our ceremonies. Spring time is about new growth and waking up our own spirit. This is why we go fasting in the spring time. Jan 1st is the calendar “New Years,” but as people who are connected to the land our “New Years” starts in the spring with the trees start to bud. So with that I want to wish everyone a Happy New Years and with the weather warming up I hope you get out on the beautiful land. Miigwetch
IH3 TOURNAMENT S u bm i t t e d b y Ap r i l Th o r n t o n , NE Me n t a l We l l n e s s & C r i s i s T e am
On March 31st to April 3rd, The NE Mental Wellness & Crisis Team in conjunction with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Staff hosted an Indigenous Hockey Tournament in Nipigon. With over 70 youth in attendance the tournament had players from the ages of 10 to 14 playing 3 on 3 hockey games. In addition, the tournament held a skills competition that had Junior A players from the Kam Jr. A Fighting Walleye Team and a hockey skills development sessions held by Fox Hockey School. The tournament was featured in two live interviews with CBC and an article about how this tournament has created safe spaces for player to grow and develop alongside their peers. After the event, a survey was completed by families that attended and we received raving reviews of the event about the overall experience for youth.
Anonymous evaluation from a parent: It was amazing to see how much was offered for the kids. Not only the 8 hours of game time, but to have a skills competition and hockey school, free meal each day, snacks and drinks in the dressing room, access to the game room, VR sessions, photos, hoodie, personalized jersey, and an amazing goodie bag. Also, my son really enjoys playing in the all First Nations tourneys, don't get me wrong - he loves his league team, but an all First Nations team just has a different vibe - the only way he can describe the difference is he felt like he could really just be himself and not worry about any comments.
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