Sixth Annual Every Child Matters Pow Wow In Kirkland Lake

The Sixth Annual Every Child Matters Pow Wow brought together traditional people, Elders, youth and community members of every background for a day of commemoration and acknowledgement. The gathering was held at Civic Park in Kirkland Lake to commemorate ‘National Day for Truth and Reconciliation’ and ‘Orange Shirt Day’, two observances that acknowledge the history of the Residential School era in Canada.

In traditional Indigenous culture, a Pow Wow is primarily a spiritual gathering of ceremony, commemoration, reflection, and remembrance, and also a time for celebration and entertainment. The Every Child Matters Pow Wow was collaboratively organized by Keepers of the Circle, Mino M’Shki-ki Family Health Team and the First Nations of Beaverhouse, Matachewan and Timiskaming.

“This is an event that acknowledges the history of our ancestors who survived the residential school period but also remembers our families and community members who experienced this reality and are still here today. It’s really important for the public to come out to acknowledge this history and join us in recognising what this day means for the survivors,” said Chief Wayne Wabie, Beaverhouse FN.

The Pow Wow drew an estimated 3,000 people, including students from Kirkland Lake schools and those from Timmins. Many vendors also took part, providing crafts, merchandise, food and refreshments.

“There was a great turnout of people and especially youth and students. This is an important event for First Nations as it recognizes and acknowledges the history and generational trauma of the residential school era. Everyone is always welcome to attend and every year this event grows and evolves. It’s really beautiful to see,” said Jamie Lindsay, Keepers of the Circle and Pow Wow Lead Coordinator.

She worked with a committee that included Makayla Barre, Ashley Kaiser, Laura Bourque, Karen Zielbauer and Alexi Polson. Their committee also worked with Beaverhouse FN, Matachewan FN, Timiskaming FN and many volunteer contributors to make the event possible.

“The significance of today’s Pow Wow is to honour the children that never made it home and to remember those who survived from residential schools. I’m a survivor myself and so are my parents and so many relatives in my family. Today is a day to recognize this history and to remember that we have to work to make the lives of all our children everywhere better,” said Darlene Skani, Keepers of the Circle Family Support Worker and Treaty Six member from Cold Lake First Nations, Alberta.

The gathering began at six am with a sunrise ceremony at a designated teepee, where a sacred fire was lit and kept burning throughout the day-long event. Fire Keepers were Wabunang Paul and his grandfather Conrad Paul, both of Timiskaming FN. Head Elders and traditional teachers George Rose Paulmartin and Holly Buffalo Rodrique led the morning ceremony. Elder George Rose Paulmartin, of Attawapiskat FN, is a survivor of the St Anne’s Residential School, one of the most notorious institutions from this period, in Fort Albany FN on the James Bay coast. He spoke to participants in person, in small groups and in public presentations in Inineemoon (James Bay Cree language) and English.

“I was happy to see so many young people taking part and to watch them dancing at today’s gathering. It’s important for me to speak at these events to teach people everywhere about what happened and to share my story. It’s also a healing event for me and people like me and a way to share my love for others and receive that love from them,” commented Elder Rose Paulmartin speaking in his traditional Inineemoon.

Many regional representatives took part in the gathering, including leaders, Elders and supporters from throughout northeastern Ontario.

“It really means a lot to me to be here. This is a gathering to remember that First Nation children were not treated well in the past and that we need events like this to remember that history. I feel honoured to be here and to represent my community,” said Councillor Real Boucher, Matachewan FN.

Town of Kirkland Lake Mayor Stacy Wight was available to speak to participants and she represented the local town as a flag carrier during the opening and closing ceremonies.

“It's very important for us to be here today. I was honoured to be invited by our Indigenous members to walk with them on National Truth and Reconciliation Day. There is a long way for us to go, and days like today, where you see a large community gathering of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to share in this day, it matters and it makes a difference,” commented Mayor Wight.

The drumming performances were led by Host Drum Young Biisineh, Wikwemikong FN; co-host drums Spirit Wolf Singers of Ottawa and Iron Stone of Timiskaming FN and guest drum Red Roots of Timmins. Master of Ceremonies Stephanie McMartin and Arena Director Michael Hester led the event schedule. Head veteran was represented by Ed Wabie and Head Elders were Elders George Rose Paulmartin and Holly Buffalo Rodrigue. Head Adult Dancers were Kevin Chief and Jamie Metallic. Head Youth Dancers were Levi Landry and Jorja Wabie. Audio technician for the day was Julian Cote of Temagami FN.

The day’s events ended with a feast hosted by Beaverhouse FN for Pow Wow singers, dancers, traditional teachers, Elders and guests. Elder Basil Mauer of Beaverhouse FN led the meal in prayer.

Sponsors of this year’s event included Agnico Eagle, Microtel, Northern College, Chad Plumbing, Creative D-Signs, Shaba Testing Services Ltd, Metis Nation of Ontario, Chamaillard Law, Kohut Electric, Pinewood Park Motors, Dr Doug Yade & Dr Linsey Yade Optometrists, Co-Operators, Community Living Kirkland Lake, Giant Tiger, RBC, Gordon Stationary & Office Supplies Ltd, Testmark Laboratories, the Fed Restaurant and the Jewel Box.