Lenny Carpenter — Wawatay News

When Craig Koostachin moved to Timmins in 2008, he had to overcome numerous challenges to adjust to urban life.
The Attawapiskat First Nation member grew up in several communities along the James Bay coast, including Fort Albany and Moose Factory, where he spoke primarily Cree and took part in traditional activities.
So Koostachin experienced culture shock when he moved with his family to the city as a 14-year-old.
“I didn’t know how to talk to people,” he said. “And I had a problem with speaking English most of the time. I was mumbling a lot.”

Less than three months after the release of her third album, Shy-Anne Hovorka has been nominated for six Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards.
“It was kinda scary not knowing what they’re gonna say,” Hovorka said on waiting whether she would be announced as a nominee. “It’s always hit or miss. I honestly did not expect to be in the top five, but it turns out I did.”

Alex Fiddler of Sandy Lake First Nation was impressed by the turnout for the North West Company’s Run for Diabetes event on Sept. 15.
“We were quite surprised how many participated,” Fiddler, the Brighter Futures coordinator for the First Nation, said. “We didn’t expect that many people to come on down. The atmosphere was very good downtown.”
The Run for Diabetes had more than 100 people take part, either running or walking in a 5-kilometre (5K), 2.5K or a kid’s fun run track. Participants ranged from six to 65 years old.

Aboriginal youth detained in Thunder Bay had the chance to develop leadership and life skills through a weeklong lacrosse development camp.
Professional lacrosse players from the National Lacrosse League brought their skills and lessons to the Justice Ronald Lester Youth Centre, where they spent the week of Sept. 10-14 training with the youth.
The idea is to develop leadership skills in the youth so that when they are released, they can bring the sport of lacrosse to their community.

A Thunder Bay musician is set to perform with the Thunder Bay symphony orchestra on Oct. 19 with songs about the history of the city.
Rodney Brown, who grew up in Thunder Bay, said he has done some detailed research on the history of the region while composing songs for his latest album, Fort William, which is to be released at the concert.
“All the songs tell stories,” Brown said. “There’s one song about Williams’ relationship with his Cree wife, and…the demise of Fort William.”