We are all coming out of a very long and hard winter here in Northern Ontario. Elders tell me that this winter is similar to the ones they experienced growing up 50, 60 and 70 years ago. Winter and the snow came early to us in the north and actually right across most of Canada. It has also taken its time leaving us and it seems that we are between two weeks and a month late for spring.
Brunswick House First Nation, located near Chapleau Ontario, celebrated the inclusion of a collection of birch bark containers and model canoes at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto on March 13, 2018. The 16 birch bark containers and two model canoes were hand made in the 1940s and 1950s by Joseph and Clara Candassie, who were original First Nation Ojibway citizens of Brunswick House First Nation.
A trio of eagles in flight greeted the Seventh Annual Mattagami First Nation Pow Wow, which took place on August 19 and 20 in the community. Elder Mike Naveau, pointed out that the three eagles had been over the community leading up to the annual gathering. Locals took it as a sign of good fortune as the eagle symbolizes strength and vision. They visit every year.
The Wabun Youth Gathering celebrated its 11th year with venues at Laurentian University in Sudbury for seniors and the wilderness lake side resort setting of Horwood Lake Lodge, west of Timmins for juniors. More than 36 senior youth participated in the educational focused event July 24 to 28 at Laurentian University while 56 Wabun junior youth attended the event at the wilderness gathering July 17 to 21. The event was sponsored by Wabun Tribal Council Health Services based in Timmins and Health Canada.
My night in Paris started with myself and my friend standing on Boulevard Henri IV, a little lost while looking for the Bastille. From our pause on the corner we were looking at a map in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Parisians making their way along the busy street at the end of the day. All of a sudden a hand reached up out of the crowd of passersby and touched my shoulder. I turned with the touch and came face to face with a very old gentleman who looked a little like Peter O'Toole and he asked in perfect Londoner English, “Can I be of some service?
It is that season again and we have to deal with snow, icy roads, freezing rain and sometimes blizzards. I love the north and I enjoy all that winter offers, no matter what the weather might be. However, I realize also just how deadly the roads and highways can be this time of the year.
I am aware that more and more people I know from up the James Bay coast are coming south and renting vehicles or purchasing them to drive during their vacation time. I don't think people realize how dangerous travelling on the roads can be during the winter.
I was getting ready one evening to head out to visit friends. Before leaving the house I turned the lights off. I paused in the kitchen to think if I had forgotten anything.
Suddenly, I realized a soft blue light had surrounded me. The sun had gone down but there was still an hour or two of a blue twilight left. This is that mysterious and magical time of the day that most of us miss.
I stood quietly in the kitchen looking out at the maple trees silhouetted in the dimming light. I could hear the birds chirping noisily getting ready for the night.
I like old garages where I am able work in a familiar space I created, for better or for worse. I don't have a neatly organized or functional workshop in my garage. In fact, when I start working on a project, my space quickly becomes a disorganized mess of wood, tools, sawdust and assorted equipment. That's the way I like it. I enjoy being surrounded by the clutter of all types of tools and machinery. This is a more relaxed and laid back workspace where I can just escape to from time to time.
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