On March 25, more than 60 Sagamok community members and employees travelled to London to participate in the 32nd Annual Anishinaabemowin Teg Language Conference. The conference ran from March 26 to 28. This year’s theme was “Naadmowaadaa Eshkinigjik Wii Anishinaabemowaat” which translates to “Let’s help our youth to speak our language! Miigwech to Sagamok’s Political Office and Education Department for supporting so many community members and educators in attending the conference.
Travelling by AJ Bus Lines Coach service, the journey was lengthy but comfortable with adequate stops enroute to get coffee, food, fresh air, and a stretch. The scenery changed dramatically out our windows from snowbanks and rocky shield to bare, flat, and open fields, with skyrises cropping up along the route in Barrie, Toronto, and closer to London as we headed Southwest. The Conference was held at the old Kellogg Factory (jokes were made that some of the rooms still smelled like Fruit Loops!) in what is now known as the London Hard Rock Hotel. Rumour has it that upwards of 920 people from across Canada and parts of the United States were in attendance. The crowd included individuals of every age, language familiarity, and fluency level. Chi Miigwech to the Anishinaabemowin-Teg Incorporated Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Presenters. Gchi-miigwech E’naadmaagejig!
The theme of this year’s conference was chosen to encourage a deep-rooted intention along with a sense of urgency to transfer cultural knowledge and language to our youth, as traditional Language Speakers are aging. Numerous sessions were offered, from keynote speakers to smaller workshops. Sagamok’s very own Myna & Theodore Toulouse were among the presenters, offering their knowledge on Quillwork for half a day, each day! Awesome work! Their daughter Ruth was in attendance, along with her daughter Brianna, and granddaughter Autumn Butterfly, who was an absolute gem and source of onboard entertainment on the 8-hour bus ride. The family also provided an assortment of handmade ribbon skirts and beaded items for sale at the conference! Congratulations to Myna, Theodore, and their family for all their hard work to prepare a large stock of items ready for sale, working their busy booth, and offering workshops (which were at capacity each day!) You were wonderful ambassadors of Sagamok!
Keynote speakers included: Alan Ojiig Corbiere, Patricia Ningewance, Claudette Commanda, and Isadore Toulouse. Workshops were diverse and included themes surrounding: The Seven Grandfather Teachings and applications, Ka-zhaabwitoonanh Anishinaabemowin (We will save the language), Giizhi’gong Ezhi Na’wen’daas’ying miinwaa Nangoosag En’waaz’waat (Our Relation to the Universe and Star Teaching), Sweyaajmodaa: Let’s Share the Stories, integrating fun and games into language learning with beginner learners, as well as resources and story examples for educators, Anishinaabeg Kinomaagewgamig: Building Anishinaabemowin Immersion for Youth, Community, and Future Generations, Kweji kinomodwaa wii-nishinaabemwaad ekinomojig (Getting your students to speak Anishinaabemowin), and Giimooch Gaa-bizindawaad: Reclaiming Anishinaabemowin: a program for silent speakers was quite interesting as it addressed the idea of how to engage with Elders/Speakers to encourage sharing their knowledge having been silent for so many years, and on the other side of that, building confidence in new second language speakers and/or non-Indigenous to embrace and learn Anishinaabemowin.
The Conference held something for everyone’s learning, whether exploring the language as a beginner or conversing openly in Anishinaabemowin more fluently. Attendees were invited to a country-themed Hoe Down (Bizhaak!) to balance out their experience. And if they weren’t at a workshop or presentation, Sagamonians could be spotted enjoying an ice-cream cone or a coffee, or gathered at the Hollywood-styled, lit-up Kellogg’s sign conversing, sharing contagious laughter, or posing like celebrities for the perusing paparazzi!
Each year, one of the conference highlights is the ever-popular Scholarship Awards Banquet. Tickets were sold out with approximately 500 in attendance! Attendees enjoyed the Grand Entry Drum Song, entertainment, and a message from Keynote Speaker, Chancellor Claudette Commanda. Guests were especially pleased and proud to hear speeches by young students from various communities. Elders were beaming with awe, pride, and hope-filled raw emotion as they listened to the young people deliver their presentations in Anishinaabemowin. Four students from Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik were among the revered presenters: Avery Toulouse (age 13; Grade 7), Leisa Paibomsai (age 11; Grade 6), Parker Bob (age11; Grade 5), and Cohen Rivers (age 10; Grade 5). Congratulations to these brave students on the successful delivery of their speeches and for being shining examples that Anishinaabemowin continues to live on. Each student was awarded a bursary for their dedication to pursuing native language proficiency.
Miigwech to Language Teachers Carol Bob and Amanda Hardisty for translating the students’ speeches and helping to build their confidence to speak proudly and fluidly in front of a large audience. Students, teachers, and family members supporting them, had many hours of practice and months of preparation that went into these presentations, and really made Sagamok members proud! Chi miigwech for this tremendous dedication to continuing our language so it can thrive and come alive in our youngest members. And of course, miigwech to our Elders, community members, and everyone who plays a part and takes an interest in revitalizing our beautiful Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe Aadziwin.