TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 23, 2023
7:00 AM
Sacred Fire
SUNRISE CEREMONY
Elders Shirley Williams, Wesley Whetung, Leona Stevens, and Liz Osawamick will conduct Sunrise Ceremony at the Sacred Fire. Firekeeper Miigwaans Osawamick-Sagassige.
A Mnoomin-themed breakfast will be served following the Ceremony, catered by Chef Shawn Adler.
9:00 AM
Under the Arbour
WELCOME
Curve Lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott will welcome participants to the Gathering.
Opening Mnoomin Song by Dorothy Taylor.
9:30 AM
Under the Arbour
BOB RAE
Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, will discuss Truth and Reconciliation from a global perspective, and how the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples needs to be more fully embedded in the policies of both the Provinces and the Federal Government.
11:00 AM
At the Beach
PLANTING, GATHERING, & ROASTING MNOOMIN
Experientially learn how to plant, gather, and process Mnoomin into food. See below for more details.
OPEN HAND DRUM CIRCLE
Bring your hand drums! All participants invited to join the circle to sing to the Mnoomin.
ANISHNAABEMOWIN
LANGUAGE LESSON
Mnoomin-themed language lesson with Jonathan Taylor.
12 NOON
At the Beach
LUNCH
A Mnoomin-inspired lunch catered by Chef Shawn Adler featuring Atlantic Salmon caught by Dr Fred Metallic, pickerel harvested by Dwayne Jacobs and Bill McLeod, and wild rice pudding made by Gary Williams.
DR. FRED METALLIC
1:00 PM
Under the Arbour
Following an Opening Song by Janet McCue,
Dr Fred Metallic will discuss how the Listuguj community came together to assert their inherent right to fish salmon on the Listuguj Sipu (river) and reclaim their powers of law-making and enforcement.
2:30 PM
At the Beach
PLANTING, GATHERING & DANCING MNOOMIN
Continued from the morning, a second opportunity to interact hands-on with Mnoomin.
MNOOMIN BOOK READING
Dorothy Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation will share an excerpt from her upcoming book about Mnoomin. Come enjoy story time!
OPEN HAND DRUM CIRCLE
Bring your hand drums! All participants invited to join the circle to sing to the Mnoomin.
CHANDRA MARACLE AND RICK HILL
Two Dishes, One Spoon: Sharing O:nenhste (Corn), Mnoomin (Wild Rice), and Stories as Haudenonishinaabe Reconciliation.
ROUND DANCE
Round dance led by Liz Osawamick with song by
Nimkii Osawamick.
5:00 PM
At the Beach
SUPPER
A Mnoomin-themed supper catered by Chef Shawn Adler featuring moose harvested by Ryerson Whetung.
5:30 PM
At the Beach
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
Celebrate Mnoomin with Spoken Word Artist Sarah Lewis and local Anishnaabeg musicians. There will be an Open Stage in addition to Featured Artists, so bring your favourite songs and talents to share!
8:00 PM
At the Beach
100 GUN SALUTE
De-commission the 1923 William's Treaty with a 100 Gun Salute Fireworks display.
PLANTING, GATHERING, AND PROCESSING MNOOMIN
Come learn how to plant, gather, and process Mnoomin into food!
Canoes will be available, complete with lifejackets, paddles, and safety kits to plant and gather Mnoomin. Canoes will launch from the beach at the park. Green seeds for planting and gathering sticks for gathering will be provided. Instruction regarding planting and gathering will occur on shore prior to going out in the canoes. Planting will occur in a designated area. No planting will be done in front of the swimming area at the beach.
Two adults are recommended in each canoe; 1-2 children can also go in each canoe. All people in the canoe must wear lifejackets at all times. The number of people wanting to go out in canoes will determine how long each participant may stay out in a canoe. There will be one safety canoe with two safety monitors and one motorized safety boat with two safety monitors.
You are invited to participate in roasting Mnoomin seeds in a large cauldron over a fire in the morning. In the afternoon, tie on a pair of moccasins (provided) and dance the roasted seeds. Then, together with other participants, take hold of an edge of the blanket and winnow the seeds. All equipment and seeds will be provided. You are encouraged to actively participate in the processing of the Mnoomin and to ask questions so you learn how to process Mnoomin at home.