On the morning of September 12, Gimaa Toulouse, wearing an ornate, purple-flowered ribbon shirt, visited the staff and students of Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik. He was invited to attend the school for his traditional yearly visit. (Last year, the Grand Opening of the new Biidaaban school took the place of the Welcome Circle.)
The students and staff, entering a brand-new school year, were personally greeted by Gimaa with a customary handshake and welcome. As students entered the gym by grade, they formed a circle around the gym’s perimeter after receiving their handshake and personal greeting from Gimaa. It was both inspirational and moving to see the entire school population gathered in one communal place to meet with Gimaa Toulouse. Some students were meeting Gimaa ‘up close and personal’ for the first time! His warm and welcoming smile lit up his face, placing everyone at ease with a special sense of acknowledgement.
A drumming song and opening prayer started the event off in a good way. Principal Becky Toulouse welcomed everyone to the Welcome Circle with Gimaa and provided some thoughtful opening remarks. Michael Abitong followed with some commentary in Anishinaabemowin, then translated it into English. He encouraged the students to use their Anishinaabe language, to speak it openly, to take pride in their culture and themselves, and to live their lives in a good way, following the seven Grandfather Teachings. Michael imparted to the students how fortunate they were to receive the gift of education, how the teachers and helpers were here to support them throughout the school year, and to respect and appreciate the effort and thought that goes into their education experiences. Michael rallied the students with a thunderous ‘Aanii Biidaaban students’, eliciting an equally loud ‘Aanii’ response, cheers, and enthusiasm circling around the room. The energy was alive and well in the school.
Chief Toulouse took to the centre of the circle and shared some encouraging sentiments and knowledge with everyone present, beginning first in Anishinaabemowin and then switching to English. Students listened intently as the Chief spoke, and his words carried the message about the importance of maintaining the Anishinaabe language, culture, traditions, valuing and protecting the animals, water, territorial lands, the students themselves, and recognizing everything is an integral part of the world; each with special abilities and purpose. He encouraged the students to always seek the path they chose to walk and to make good choices as they moved along that path, knowing they were supported by friends, teachers, family, caregivers, Elders, and the community. There is strength in community and in Anishinaabe culture and ways, and he requested that students continue to be the stewards/ambassadors of these traditions.
Gimaa was presented with a gift by a student, on behalf of the Biidaaban staff and students, in recognition of his welcoming them to the new school year and sharing his insights with them. Miigwech, miigwech, miigwech. The gathering came to a close, and students filed out of the gym past Gimaa and returned to classroom instruction, carrying with them a warm fire within, ignited by a personal greeting from their Gimaa, and the positive, uplifting sentiments shared with them by leadership on this special occasion.
