Members of the Working Group for Seven Youth Inquest Recommendation 115 (Watercourse and River Safety Audits) will welcome over 200 Indigenous youth to take part in cultural teachings related to water, a sunrise ceremony, a sacred fire, a round dance, the Matawa Drum, a barbecue and more.

Youth will be attending from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, Matawa Learning Centre, Lakehead Public Schools and Thunder Bay Catholic School Board, as well as staff, elders and other community members.

“The City of Thunder Bay has worked very closely with inquest partners over the last two years to implement programs and services that will make Thunder Bay safer for all youth who come here for high school,” said Councillor Iain Angus. “This event brings together youth and community supports to formally recognize the significance of land and water to the Indigenous community, and demonstrates Thunder Bay’s commitment to youth safety and well-being.”

Taking place at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre from 10 am to 4 pm, ‘Nibii-Mamowechitiwin - Youth Water Gathering 2018’ focusses on a formal recognition of the significance of water and land resources to the Indigenous Community. Attendees will take part in cultural teachings related to water, a sunrise ceremony, a sacred fire, a round dance, the Matawa Drum, a barbecue and more.

Award-winning, Indigenous hip hop artist Drezus will also be performing.

Partners for the event include: City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Police Service, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Independent First Nations Alliance, Shibogama First Nation Council and Matawa Learning Centre, as well as NAN, Keewaytinook Okimakanak Secondary School Services, Shelter House, Lakehead Public Schools and Thunder Bay Catholic School Board.

 

Schedule of events:

 

6:30 am                       Sunrise Ceremony at Fort William First Nation Community Centre (outside)

10 am                          Participants arrive at Fort William First Nation Community Centre

10:30 am                     Welcoming and opening ceremony, Matawa Drum

11-11:45 am                Water Honouring Ceremony

11:45-12:45 pm           Lunch

12:45-1:45 pm             “Walk like a Warrior” workshop by Drezus

1:45-2:30 pm               Round Dance

2:30-3:30 pm               Hip hop performance by Drezus

3:30 pm                       Closing

 

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Contact:       Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications, 625-3650