Sagamok Anishnawbek News

Visit regularly to keep up to date with current events in sagamok

Construction on the Spanish River Bridge—Summer/Fall 2023

May 26, 2023        Sagamok Anishnawbek News

The Spanish River Bridge connecting the Sagamok community to Massey and Highway 17 will be under construction for the summer and early fall.  

Construction work is scheduled to start on Monday, May 29, 2023 and be completed  for the season by October 2023.  

During this time, traffic will be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic lights to accommodate the construction zone.  

Construction work will include structural concrete rehabilitation, grading, drainage, granular base and hot mix asphalt surfacing.

For more information, contact:

• Hazen Martin, Site Supervisor with Landform Civil Infrastructures Inc. by phoning (289) 241-3806 or emailing hazen.martin@landformcivil.ca

• Gary Noble, Contract Administrator with Civil Arsa Engineering Inc. by phoning (437) 216-8016 or emailing gnoble@civilarsa.ca  

• Jeffery Derksen, Contract Services Administrator with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario by calling (705) 677-5784 or emailing Jeffery.derksen@ontario.ca

 

This content reports upon a notice issued on May 26, 2023 by Civil Arsa Engineering Inc. concerning the Structure Rehabilitation, Drainage, Granular Base, Hot Mix Paving and Electrical.

Click Here to View the Notice

10 Strategies to Prevent Your Young Person From Using Drugs - Submitted By Candace Mandamin

Mental Health Week - May 1-6, 2023 - Sagamok

Spanish River Water Level Advisory Update

COMMUNITY RESPONSE UPDATE

Spanish River Water Levels

Notice Issued April 20, 2023

3:00 PM UPDATE

While the waters of the Spanish River remain close to critical levels, the  Fire Department has reported the levels have dropped an additional 2” since the recording at 6:50 AM this morning.  However, while they are dropping at this point, we encourage you to remain cautious and prepare for a possible closure as rain is forecasted over the next 72 hours.

The situation continues to be closely monitored by the Sagamok Fire Department to ensure that the community’s main access road, Highway 7300, remains safe for Sagamok travelers.

If conditions present themselves that pose a threat to the health and safety of Sagamok travelers and residents, action may be taken to close Highway 7300.

In the event that Highway 7300 closes, a 2 hour warning will be provided to allow for families and our community to prepare.

Residents are advised to stock up on food, medicines and other necessities in the event that we need to close Highway 7300 to traffic. If there is any change to the high school bus schedule, it will be handled tomorrow morning using the snow day procedures.

Please ensure your emergency kits are stocked and remember to reach out to extended family and friends you know may need assistance and support preparing.

Know that the Emergency Operations Control Group has a plan in place to respond to potential flooding emergencies while taking care of our vulnerable populations. Our response teams are on stand-by to act if, and when, they are called upon.

To discuss your needs in relation to medical travel concerns, please contact the Elders Eagle Lodge who are ready to assist you by calling (705) 865-2926.

The EOCG will provide updates as conditions change. Residents are advised to stay connected to the Members of Sagamok Anishnawbek Facebook group for updates.

OVER 13,000 KM FROM SAGAMOK, THE Māori OF NEW ZEALAND CAN TEACH US ABOUT INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE PRESERVATION

By Nelson Toulouse – with Sean Cassidy

The Māori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and settled on the island from Polynesia by waka (canoe), where they originated from time immemorial. They hosted the Indigenous World Language Conference in 2004, and the intent was to learn what other indigenous cultures were doing to preserve their language heritage.

Nelson Toulouse, from Sagamok, and a large group other indigenous participants from across North America flew from Toronto to San Francisco, USA and San Francisco to Auckland, New Zealand, to join in the festivities and learn more about the Māori culture, their education system, and language preservation efforts. A diverse group of language teachers, singers, and band representatives travelled with Nelson, and the committee asked him to be the primary representative for the group.

Click Here for the full article

Jonathan Woodward - Addressing Stigma

Stigma is a significant barrier to talking openly about substance use and can prevent people from accessing support or treatment. Stigma (prejudice and  discrimination) begins with the labeling of differences and negative stereotyping of  people, creating a separation between “us” and “them.” Those who are stigmatized are devalued and subjected to discrimination, which is unjust treatment. This can lead to disadvantage and inequitable social and health outcomes.

To view Jonathan's article, please Click Here

To view Jonathan's interview, please Click Here

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation Partner in Historic, Collaborative Agreement with Successful Canadian Mining Contractor

Sudbury, Ontario, Canada March 10th, 2023 – traditional lands of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek, and Wahnapitae First Nation & Technica Mining are proud to announce that they have entered a partnership under a new business entity called Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin which means “to be owned by the earth”. The name of the company was intentionally generated by Anishinaabe Language holders from each of the respective communities and holds significant meaning as this partnership has been created intentionally over the past year in a respectful and reciprocal way.

Over the past 20 years, Technica has been setting the new standard in world-class workforce safety and project excellence in underground and open pit development, construction, maintenance, and operation. Through this partnership, Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin will now provide world-class mine contracting services for their partners and meaningfully participate in the economic benefits in their territorial lands within the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory.

“Atikameksheng Anishnawbek recognizes this partnership as a major step forward for our Debendaagziwaad on the path to true sovereignty and independence. The Co-operative we establish now will benefit our people for generations to come by creating high-value careers and lucrative business opportunities for our community. As most of the mining activity in Sudbury takes place on our asserted lands, it is important that Atikameksheng Anishnawbek accepts

nothing less than true partnership and I am delighted to say that this agreement is one of mutual respect and honesty.” - Gimaa Craig Nootchtai of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

“Sagamok Anishnawbek has always had stewardship responsibilities to the lands and resources inhabited and used by our ancestors. The same lands and resources were always intended to sustain our people for all their economic, cultural, spiritual, and healthcare needs. Unfortunately, the sharing principle regarding lands and resources has not always been embraced by our treaty partners, their settlers, and resource development companies. In more recent times, we are pleased to have experienced more positive relationships regarding the Sudbury mining sector, and we believe that the new relationship with Technica Mining, along with our Atikameksheng and Wahnapitae brothers and sisters, is another step forward in reflecting the principle of sharing.” - Gimaa Angus Toulouse, Sagamok Anishinaabek

“Wahnapitae First Nation greatly appreciates the opportunity to be included in this important endeavour and for all the incredible collaboration that has been required to get to this juncture. This represents a unique moment to build something that is of benefit to our members now and for future generations and we sincerely look forward to the strong foundations we are creating as part of this work. By building strong relationships with our brothers and sisters on Turtle Island, and within Atikameksheng and Sagamok, we can truly look to a brighter horizon, together.” – Chief Larry Roque of Wahnapitae First Nation

“We are humbled to have earned the trust and respect of Atikameksheng Anishinabek, Sagamok Anishinabek and Wahnapitae First Nation. For far too long First Nations in the Sudbury Basin have not properly benefited from our shared resources - while we cannot right our past, it is our responsibility to create a new future.” - Mario Grossi, President and C.E.O. of Technica Mining.

Click Here for the press release

Sagamok Food Bank Receives $1,000 donation from Domtar, Espanola

A small group from Domtar’s Espanola Mill visited Sagamok Anishnawbek’s Food Bank to deliver a donation of $1,000 on Friday, January 27.  

 

The money will be used to stock the food bank’s shelves for community families and individuals to access as they find themselves who could use a little help during tough times.  

 

“It really helps and goes a long way for our families who are in need,” sayd Chief Angus Toulouse.  “We really appreciate you coming out and recognizing that we are in the neighbourhood and in just as much need as Espanola, Massey and everyone else in the region.”

 

In handing over the donation, Domtar’s Communications & Engagement Coordinator, Angela Vuorensyrja, said that the Espanola Mill donates to a number of organizations within the community it operates and to the many surrounding communities as well. 

 

Sagamok Food Bank Coordinator, Nancy Bennett, said that the donation is particularly helpful at this time of year for families as many are still paying off the bills from the holiday season.

 

Nancy notes that the financial pressure to put healthy, nutritious food on the table is a burden for every household these days, saying that $100 does not go as far as it once did in filling a grocery bag.  “It’s hard for everyone.  Some really depend on our services.”

 

The Domtar delegation were treated to a tour of Sagamok’s Food Bank facility, learning about the services offered to community families, including the Milk Program and Soup Kitchen.

 

When leaving, Angela said she believes Domtar’s donation will be impactful on Sagamok families and looks forward to talking about other opportunities to help.  

 

Outdoor Rink ready for skaters on Little Lake

This current winter has been kinder to skaters than the last few years.  An outdoor rink was constructed and open for community use on January 20 close to the Little LaCloche Lake landing.  

 

The evening of the social media announcement that the rink was ready saw a dozen community members already on their blades and tearing up the ice.  

 

Community Mentor, Michael Abitong, thanked Kevin Corbiere and Charlie Eshkakogan for plowing the lake in a post on Facebook.  

 

Last year’s rink was located near the landing at Big LaCloche Lake.  

 

One community family donated a bench for players use in lacing up and resting.  

 

In a post on Facebook, elders recalled their younger days in Sagamok clearing the ice on the lakes and river to skate throughout the winter season, noting that the ice season seemed longer back then.  

 

Eagles to host 34th Annual Biidaaban Classic February 22

5 registered hockey teams compete in this year’s tournament tradition

 

Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik will host it’s annual hockey tournament on Wednesday, February 22 at the Massey Arena, bringing together school teams from the region to engage in school-spirit raising fun.

 

Now in its’ 34th year, the tournament is a tradition rooted in the values of friendly competition between schools.  The following teams are registered and are excited to hit the ice:  

 

· Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik  (Sagamok)

· A.B. Ellis Public School (Massey)

· Lakeview School (M’Chigeeng)

· Pontiac School (Wikwemkoong)

· St. Mary’s Catholic School (Blind River)

 

Games start at 8:00am with Biidaaban taking on A.B. Ellis.  

 

Each team will play each other once and overall, will play a total of 4 games total.  Each game is scheduled to span three (3x) 12 minute periods with no stop time except for 2-3 minutes between periods.  

 

A win is worth 2 points, a tie is worth 1 point and a loss is worth 0 points.   Note that there will be no overtime this tournament event.  

 

Rankings will be determined by points.  If needed to break a rankings tie, then goals for and against and penalty minutes will be calculated.  

 

The final game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 that will see Blind River faceoff against A.B. Ellis and this year’s tournament event will conclude with an awards ceremony upstairs at the arena.  

 

Spectators are welcome along with hungry folks to enjoy the breakfast and lunch canteens sponsored by the Grade 8 fundraising team.  Don’t forget to look for the penny sales upstairs!

 

Family Hockey Tournament

The ice at the Massey arena will be torn up by 9 community family teams on March 3 & 4 as they descend upon the hard water in the Family Hockey Tournament’s 40th year.  

 

The Family Hockey Tournament has brought families together in the spirit of friendly competition for 4 decades now.  It is an event that every community family can draw upon loving and humourous memories.

 

This year, teams will be fielded by the Nashkawa, Bennett, Bobs, Corbiere, Eshkakogan, Francis, Abitong, Solomon and Toulouse families.  

 

Game day starts at 6:00pm.  Day two starts at 8:00am.  Lunch and supper will be available upstairs in the canteen, hosted by Little NHL teams as a fundraiser.  

 

The tournament will conclude with an awarding of trophies.

 

There will be a small cover charge to get in to the arena to watch each day.  All families are warmly welcomed to watch and cheer on community players, exciting hockey action and recognitions of excellence.  .  

 

New this year  is a memorial trophy honouring the memory and spirit of th elate Dolphus Toulouse who loved the game of hockey (and all sports) throughout his life and saw the game as a vital part of growing up and building meaningful connections between people.  Dolphus’s trophy will be awarded to an individual demonstrating perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication.  

 

This year’s Little NHL is hosted by Nipissing First Nation in Mississauga, Ontario the week of March 12—16, 2023.  It will be the 49th year

 

Sagamok’s Jacinta Eshkakogan named Sault College’s Athlete of the Week

Sault College named Sagamok’s Jacinta Eshkakogan as their Freshii Athletes of the week after spectacular performances on the ice during the week ending January 29, 2023.  

 

In a recent game against Dakota College, Jacinta was called upon to take on a new position as a defenseman.  Though a first year player, she allowed her perseverance, tenacity to be on full display on the ice, successfully defending against numerous odd-man rushes, blocking crucial shots and capitalizing on offensive rushes.  

 

Jacinta is currently enrolled in Sault College studying Police Foundations and playing on the school’s women’s hockey team.  

 

She shared the title of Athlete of the Week with a second-year defense player from the Sault named Keaston Blais.  

 

Medical Transportation Must Be Pre-Booked For Christmas Holidays (December 17, 2022-January 2, 2023)

In line with the Sagamok Administration Christmas holiday shutdown,  Medical Transportation will be operating on pre-scheduled appointments only from December 17, 2022 to January 2, 2023. 

 

Please contact the Medical Transportation Coordinator no later than Tuesday, December 13, 2022 for upcoming medical appointments for this time period at 705-865-2171 ext 344.

 

For any completed medical transportation slips, please put them in the dropbox outside the Community Wellness Department.

 

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICALEMERGENCY PLEASE DIAL 911

Message From The Chief's Desk- November 18, 2022

Click Here for the Message From the Chief or Here for the video.

Letter From Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health

Please review the this letter from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, who is sharing some important information and reminders to help protect ourselves, our families, and our children against the spread of respiratory infections. 

Ethan Eshkakogan Toy Drive

The Ethan Eshkakogan Toy Drive wants every Sagamok child to open a gift on Christmas morning, and assists with families with children between the ages of 0-18 years.

Please fill out the form and return to: bennett_holly@sagamok.ca

If you have questions, please contact Holly Bennett:

705-863-0990

bennett_holly@sagamok.ca

Sagamok Anishnawbek Community Role Model Nomination

Please fill out the nomination form to enter your Community Role Model Nomination.

 

Please enter the individual/s, who you feel makes positive choices in their daily lives and enriches other people’s lives by helping, teaching, supporting, and role modelling healthy ways of living in our community.

 

This year, the theme is a Community of Caring and we ask that you provide a brief description at the bottom of the form on why you feel this role model is deserving of the award.

 

Please send in your nomination to: mccallion_laurieanne@sagamok.ca

 

Nomination closing date is November 21, 2022 at 4:00 PM.

New Post Office opening August 15 in Sagamok!

Dear Canada Post Customers,

 

We are pleased to announce that a new Post Office is opening in the community of Sagamok on August 15, 2022.

 

What does this mean for you?

Starting August 15, 2022, you will be required to register for your new postal box (PO Box) at the:

 

NEW Post Office location

Sagamok Post Office

4008Espaniel Road

Sagamok ON P0P 2L0

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Don’t forget your ID

Please bring your government-issued photo ID that includes your mailing address when you visit the Sagamok Post Office to register for your new mailbox and collect your keys. For more information about what is acceptable photo ID, visit our website at canadapost.ca/id.

 

Deadline for registration

Please complete your registration no later than September 15, 2022. Once you have registered for your new PO box and received the keys to your new mailbox, please return the keys to your current PO box to the Massey Post Office.

 

Free Mail Forwarding for 1 year!

Canada Post will forward any mail addressed to your old PO box for a period of one year. This will ensure that none of your mail or parcels are misdelivered or returned to sender while you transition to your new PO box address. A Canada Post representative at the Massey Post Office will provide you with a Change of Address form to complete when you return your keys. For more information, please visit canadapost.ca/MailForwarding.

 

Please keep in mind, some organizations that use Canada Post’s address data may require some time to update their systems with your new PO box address. This means that it may take several weeks before these organizations will be able to recognize your new address and allow you to update it with them.

 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We are committed to providing dependable mail service to all Canadians. If you have questions about this change, please contact us at 705‑865‑2114.

 

Sincerely,

 

Doris Robinson

Postmaster, Massey Post Office

Eko Ngodwaaswing Anishinaabemowin Enjigbeshing 6th Annual Sagamok Anishnawbek Language Camp

Eko Ngodwaaswing Sagamok Anishnawbek Anishinaabemowin Enjigbeshing

6th Annual Sagamok Anishnawbek LANGUAGE CAMP

JULY 18 — 22, 2022


Hosted by the Sagamok Chi-Anishnawbek (Elders Council)

Sponsored by Z’Gamok Enterprises Inc, Sagamok Community Wellness, Sagamok Education and Sagamok Lands Resources & Environment and Weecheetowin Support Services

Supported by the Sagamok Anishnawbek Political Office
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Meet and Greet & Potlach on Monday evening
Feast to share on Friday morning
Sagamok Eagle Staff Story
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Workshops:

Medicine Workshop
   Margaret Toulouse

Language Workshop
   Jackie & Diane Bob

Clan System Workshop
   Leroy Bennett & Nelson Toulouse

History Workshop
   Allen Toulouse

Language Bingo
   Laura Trudeau
Language Workshop
   Georgina Toulouse

Sweetgrass Teaching
   Theodore & Myna Toulouse

Drumming Workshop
   Lawrence Solomon
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Bring your feast bags and lawn chairs.  

Click Here for the Brochure

Click Here for the Registration Form
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For more information:  
Darla Boston (249) 288-9786
Cynthia Trudeau Owl   (705) 863-3223
languagecamp@sagamok.ca

Service Interruption - Rogers Cell Phone Service Outage

Please note that as of now – 9:57 AM, Friday, July 8, 2022, all Sagamok Anishnawbek employees with band issued cell phones do not have access to cellular service and there is a widespread Rogers Cellular outage.

Rogers customers across the country lost access to cellular and Internet service at approximately 2:00 AM on July 8, 2022. Many businesses and people across the country rely on Rogers for communication and this is impacting phone calls, internet, debit service, and 911 services when on the Rogers network.

Because the outage is widespread and can impact 911 services for those who rely on the Rogers’ Network, please check on loved ones who may be impacted.

As this point, there has been no indication when the service will be restored, and this will leave band office employees with no cellular connectivity and unable to receive phone calls, texts, or emails.

Rogers latest comment on the issue is, “We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected. We are aware of issues currently affecting our networks and our teams are fully engaged to resolve the issue as soon as possible. We will continue to keep you updated as we have more information to share.”

As a result, we wanted to advise that you may have difficulty reaching certain employees today until Rogers has restored cell phone service.

 

Notice of Nomination Meeting

Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the electors of the Sagamok Anishnawbek will be held at the Enji Wii Ji Gaabwitaadaying Agaamik (New Community Hall) 5507 Star Road Sagamok on Saturday the 2nd day of July, 2022, beginning at 1 o'clock p.m. and lasting for at least three hours, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the position of Chief and councilors on the Band Council of the said Band, for the next ensuing term. There are 12 councilor positions and 1 position for chief available. The election will be held at the Enji WiiJi Gaabwitaadaying Agaamik (New Community Hall) on Friday, the 12th day of August 2022.

 

Please note that any voter may nominate candidates by using a mail-in nomination form. You can either deliver or mail-in a written nomination and a completed, signed and witnessed voter declaration form to the Electoral Officer before the time set for the nomination meeting OR you may nominate candidates orally at the nomination meeting. Mailed nominations not received by the Electoral Officer before the time set for nomination meeting are void. Also note that any voter may vote by mail-in ballot.

EOCG COMMUNITY NOTICE - COVID-19 Update

Dear Sagamok Community,

COVID-19 continues to be present in the Sagamok community.

With caution, in mid-January we happily reported zero active cases of COVID-19 in the Sagamok community.  This came after two months of managing the situation, bringing our teams together to contain the spread of the virus and support individuals and families as they safely recovered.

Being able to report zero cases reflected on the outcomes of the efforts of our families and businesses in keeping us all safe.

We have since seen community case numbers on the rise again.

We remind community members that while COVID-19 remains a real pandemic threat, we all remain our community’s best defense against the spread of the virus in our community.  

We ask that you not let your guard down and continue to diligently practice what you know to protect yourself from COVID-19, including getting fully vaccinated, being mindful of your physical health and staying home and getting tested if you are not feeling well.

The importance of getting tested and reporting positive results to our Rapid Antigen Test Coordinator (Community Health Teams) must be underscored as it allows our community response teams to contain the further spread of the virus into our community and support our families in recovering safely.

It also remains important to keep following public health recommendations of washing our hands often, staying within our family bubbles, maintaining physical distance (6 feet)from others outside our bubbles, and wearing masks.  These actions remain the best tools we have to keep us all safe.  With them, we will again be able to enjoy a COVID-free community into our future.

Miigwech.  Be well, safe, and caring.

BRINGING HOME OUR CHILDREN – SPANISH SCHOOLS INQUIRY AND TRUTH COMMISSION

The Nisoonag Partnership (representing Serpent River First Nation, Sagamok First Nation, and Mississauga First Nation) is initiating the process of searching and uncovering the truth about the Spanish Schools. This investigation will come from a multi-year Indigenous-led process that ensures survivors' needs are met, and we find answers about the children who attended the former schools but never made it home. “Its time to bring accountability to the forefront. Our Survivors, our people, our Children have suffered enough. We can’t continue to ignore the horrifying history in our colonial history in Canada. Its time to give our Children a voice. Its time to amplify the voice of our Survivors. Its time for truth, for the entire truth” said Chief Brent Bissaillion, Chief of Serpent River First Nation.

The Spanish Residential Schools operated from 1913 - 1965; run by Jesuit Fathers, Daughters of the Heart of Mary, and the Government of Canada. The boys and girls at Spanish formed the largest Indian Residential School in Ontario owned by the Catholic Church. Between 1911 and 1945, the boys’ school was named St. Peter Claver from 1913 to 1930, and it was renamed St. Charles Garnier from 1930 to 1958. It was the only Indian Residential school operated by the Jesuits Order in Canada.

Generations of Indigenous children from Manitoba, northern Ontario, and Quebec were relocated to the Spanish Schools, and Oral stories told by Spanish School Survivors include stories about children who disappeared. Reflecting on funding commitments made by Canada and Ontario to initiate the work, Chief Bob Chiblow, Chief of Mississauga First Nation expressed what it means to him, “I can’t imagine the void created for so many families and communities during this time, I hope this project can provide some closure and comfort to all affected families.”

The work will be conducted over the next two to three years and will entail establishing protocols for searches and remains for the Spanish Schools, archival research and assessments of records associated with the two schools, finding unmarked graves, and memorializing this difficult journey for our Survivors. We will be guided and sustained by our culture and customs. Many ceremonies have already taken place on the ground, and many more will occur. We also recognize that this journey will cause much pain as stories long pushed away return to the surface. We will establish several mental health supports for our families so they may undertake this journey safely with cultural, spiritual, customary, and religious supports.

The Partnership has received $699,574.00 from CIRNAC for 2021-2022 with the understanding that this is an initial amount only, and a commitment to continuing the conversation regarding the work for fiscal years 2022 to 2024. Ontario has committed to IRS-specific funding in the amount of $900,000.000 for 2021- 2024. This includes $200,000.00 in IRS funding and $200,000 in mental health and addictions funding in 2021-2022 and $250,000.00 in IRS funding in both 2022- 2023 and 2023-2024.

Chief Alan Ozawanimke shared his experience from ceremony with the children that “They had stated our Truth loud and clear to the world at a time when it was sitting idle” Their ultimate sacrifice was the result of the attempt to take away our customs, traditions, language and ceremonies to separate us from our Spirit. It never happened. He further states that those responsible must accept that responsibility; It is also our responsibility as descendants to honour the Spirits of the children to pick up and learn what was intended to be taken away from us. We must honour their ultimate sacrifice.

Our Elders and Survivors have for a long time told us about the Children who went missing. We are here to listen. And we hope the rest of Canada will do too.

“Ontario is honoured to be supporting the Nisoonag Partnership with burial investigations at the former Spanish Residential Schools. The atrocities that took place at these schools inflicted immeasurable and ongoing trauma and suffering on generations of families from Serpent River First Nation, Sagamok First Nation and Mississauga First Nation. Our government is also investing in culturally appropriate, trauma-informed supports for affected Survivors and families as this critical, painful work is undertaken.”

The Honourable Greg Rickford Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs

“Our hearts go out to Serpent River, Sagamok, and Mississauga First Nations - as well as all the other communities - who had children sent to the Spanish Residential Schools, as they plan these crucial efforts to locate and commemorate them. We will keep addressing past wrongs and the ongoing painful legacy of Residential Schools, as the communities work towards finding the truth, healing and closure.” The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Updated Transition Back to In Person Learning Plans

Thank you to all families who participated in the reopening survey for Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik and Shki Waase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik. We appreciate the time you took to complete the survey and the valuable information it provided.

Click Here for a letter from our Acting Director of Education, Ryan McLeod.

The Education Committee reviewed the results on January 26, 2022, and formulated a recommendation based on the results and an analysis of the current COVID-19 situation in Sagamok. On January 27, 2022, the committee recommended to Chief and Council that Shki Waase-Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik reopen on February 7, 2022, and that Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik reopen on February 14, 2022, to in-person learning.

It has been decided, by Chief and Council, to support and approve the recommendations to reopen the educational facilities as stated above.

We continue to assess a possible hybrid educational approach for Biidaaban, and a further update will be provided next week. In the meantime, please continue the excellent work you have done with COVID-19 precautions. This continued diligence will help us meet these target dates.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to class and thank you for your patience during this challenging time. Next week, we will reach out again with updated guidance on the back-to-school plans.