December 19. 2024
Winter Solstice at EHS – Teachings, Feast, Drum Social

Josephine Toulouse and Karen Boyer, both offering Indigenous Student Support services through Espanola High School, organized a Winter Solstice Day of learning, feasting, and drumming/dancing social time. An invitation was extended to Espanola High School staff and student body(approximately 500 students attend EHS), as well as to the AB Ellis Elementary School and Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik Grade 8 students, as part of a transition opportunity to introduce the soon-to-be Grade 8 graduates to the high school environment.
The gathering offered all present exposure to traditions included in Anishinaabe celebrations. ‘Winter Solstice’ was defined during the teaching section of the gathering as a ‘season’ that First Nations celebrate annually on December 21. This celebration acknowledges the change of the seasons, moving from the shortest and darkest day of the year to the next stage of winter, where the days become longer, bringing more sunlight and warmth. “Winter Solstice also welcomes a time of relaxation, retreat, and reflection. There is so much to be learned from this personal endeavour to explore peace and tranquility of the body, mind, and spirit,” exclaimed Hazel Fox, a guest speaker from Rainbow District School Board Indigenous Education Support, who was responsible for the teaching component of this celebration. She also presented teachings about the traditional nature of the celebration, the 7 Sacred Grandfather Teachings, and the various clans and their dodem.

Hazel’s description of Winter Solstice (meaning Solitude) included “The day is very short, and the night is very long. When Solstice happens, it means taking time for reflection – ‘what did I learn this year? How did I do self-care?” She offered an analogy of placing oneself in the center of the medicine wheel which represents a person’s spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental components and then do this self-care and reflection.
Hazel suggests that we, “let things from the past go –perhaps grieving or loss – or it will tear at us if we don’t let these things go.” She says, ask yourself, “What do I want to do differently? How do I want to live this good life?” She went on to explain that B’Boon translates to ‘winter moon’ with Boon meaning 'Stop/stop bothering me'. This signals that we should slow down and reflect as we prepare for the next season. It’s a time of storytelling, and she added, “We all have our own story to share; we all walk our own path.” Nieben translates to ‘summer moon,’ which means ‘plenty.’ Summer Solstice in June celebrates what Creation gives us – new birth, plants, foods, and wildlife. We say ‘Mino Bimaadziwin’ because it means reflection and appreciation for living a good life. This includes sharing stories and taking care of ourselves so that our knowledge, love, and care can be passed on to others.

The ceremonial, cultural event, hosted by Espanola High School, began by welcoming everyone with a traditional opening prayer in Anishinaabemowin from former Sagamok Chief Nelson Toulouse and a ceremonial smudge. Sagamok Education’s Land-Based Resource Teacher, Michael Abitong, hosted as the emcee. Michael delivered remarks in Anishinaabemowin and English, providing translation for other guest speakers who were not as familiar with Ojibwe. Josephine Toulouse and Karen Boyer were the key organizers of this large-scale event. They were supported by Andrea Therrien, Principal of EHS, and EHS staff. Sagamok Education also provided staff support for the feast from the Student Support Resource Department, including Colleen Toulouse (Manager of SSR),Allison Abitong (Manager of Special Education), and Mark Aizenburg (Numeracy Resource). Grade 8 teachers and classroom support staff from Biidaaban were also present to offer their cultural contributions and talents. They all lent a hand in preparing the feast tables and serving students as they filed past. The feast included heaping trays of steaming hot turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, chilli, soup, scones, salads, desserts and drinks, and more; something for everyone, in abundance. Before anyone entered the service line, a feast plate was made, a tradition done at every gathering to honour those in the spirit world and to nourish them on their journey.


Following the feast, approximately 20 volunteer dancers, and their leaders/teachers, among whom was Mr. Jason Solomon from Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik, offered songs, drumming, and dances in their vibrantly decorated ceremonial garments. The afternoon festivities provided time for students to gain awareness of self, to join and learn about one another, and to leave with more knowledge than when they arrived. They were encouraged to use their own experiences as opportunities for reflection heading into Winter Solstice and the holiday season.



Chi Miigwech to all those mentioned (and those we may have missed!) for your contributions to making this a memorable and informative event for everyone.