Xavier Kataquapit

Wabun Youth Gathering Features Traditional Teachings

Create: 07/24/2018 - 01:40
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

The Wabun Youth Gathering for Juniors, ran July 16 to 20 at the Ramada Hotel in Timmins with teachings in traditional language, Indigenous historic games, dance and culture. The event in its twelfth year drew 64 youth under the age of 13 from Wabun Tribal Council First Nation communities.

Due to the active forest fires near the original venue in Elk Lake Ontario, a last minute change was made to host the gathering in Timmins.

The Land Is My Medicine

Create: 06/14/2018 - 01:59
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

I have always found it a natural part of my life to want to head out into the wilderness to be surrounded by pines, to be next to a river or lake and to feel the cool northern air about me. My first instinct in this setting is always to start a fire and to sit by its warmth, listen to the crackling flames and smell the scent of fresh cut pine and the burning embers. No matter where I seem to find myself in my life often I take a break to head out on to the land. I get this craving to spend time in the northern mushkego wilderness I was raised in.

Facing The Storm

Create: 06/14/2018 - 01:56
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

We are all coming out of a very long and hard winter here in Northern Ontario. Elders tell me that this winter is similar to the ones they experienced growing up 50, 60 and 70 years ago. Winter and the snow came early to us in the north and actually right across most of Canada. It has also taken its time leaving us and it seems that we are between two weeks and a month late for spring.

Brunswick House First Nation honoured at Royal Ontario Museum

Create: 03/16/2018 - 00:30
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

Brunswick House First Nation, located near Chapleau Ontario, celebrated the inclusion of a collection of birch bark containers and model canoes at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto on March 13, 2018. The 16 birch bark containers and two model canoes were hand made in the 1940s and 1950s by Joseph and Clara Candassie, who were original First Nation Ojibway citizens of Brunswick House First Nation.

Seventh annual Mattagami First Nation Powwow

Create: 08/23/2017 - 23:13
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

A trio of eagles in flight greeted the Seventh Annual Mattagami First Nation Pow Wow, which took place on August 19 and 20 in the community. Elder Mike Naveau, pointed out that the three eagles had been over the community leading up to the annual gathering. Locals took it as a sign of good fortune as the eagle symbolizes strength and vision. They visit every year.

Wabun Youth Gathering Changing Lives

Create: 08/15/2017 - 02:46
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

The Wabun Youth Gathering celebrated its 11th year with venues at Laurentian University in Sudbury for seniors and the wilderness lake side resort setting of Horwood Lake Lodge, west of Timmins for juniors. More than 36 senior youth participated in the educational focused event July 24 to 28 at Laurentian University while 56 Wabun junior youth attended the event at the wilderness gathering July 17 to 21. The event was sponsored by Wabun Tribal Council Health Services based in Timmins and Health Canada.

My night in Paris

Create: 12/25/2015 - 00:42
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

My night in Paris started with myself and my friend standing on Boulevard Henri IV, a little lost while looking for the Bastille. From our pause on the corner we were looking at a map in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Parisians making their way along the busy street at the end of the day. All of a sudden a hand reached up out of the crowd of passersby and touched my shoulder. I turned with the touch and came face to face with a very old gentleman who looked a little like Peter O'Toole and he asked in perfect Londoner English, “Can I be of some service?

Driving on northern roads in bad winter weather Is deadly

Create: 12/24/2015 - 04:04
Author: 
Xavier Kataquapit

It is that season again and we have to deal with snow, icy roads, freezing rain and sometimes blizzards. I love the north and I enjoy all that winter offers, no matter what the weather might be. However, I realize also just how deadly the roads and highways can be this time of the year.

I am aware that more and more people I know from up the James Bay coast are coming south and renting vehicles or purchasing them to drive during their vacation time. I don't think people realize how dangerous travelling on the roads can be during the winter.

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