Lodge hosts international visitors

An Australian delegate at the Rendez-Vous 2012 health gathering in Thunder Bay found Canada’s residential school issue to be similar to his country’s stolen generations issue.
“I’ve recently been to some cultural awareness programs back home and the same issues have come through,” said Peter Keppel. “It’s good that it’s being talked about and recognized.”
Keppel was one of a busload of delegates from around the world who visited the Waabi-ma’iingan (Grey Wolf) Traditional Teaching Lodge near Pass Lake, east of Thunder Bay, on Oct. 12.
“It was good to learn about the traditional ways and the way they are preserved and carried out from one generation to the next,” said Thomas Chacko, a delegate from India. “In my country, there are not much of Aboriginal people — they are there in the hills. They are totally cut off. But those who are coming in contact with the general population are adopting the newer ways and losing their old ways.”
Chacko said the general population in India is still holding on to their traditions.
“I’ve noticed how we all have different cultures but the same challenges and experiences,” said Leah Yerby, a delegate from Alabama, USA. “I appreciate this expression of faith today (in the teaching lodge).”
Lake Helen’s Cindy Crowe said it was important to share First Nations culture with the visiting delegates.
“It is important to our culture to share our culture,” Crowe said. “It’s important to share what we have learned with other cultures and it’s important to share that with our own families and friends and community. If we don’t share it, it’s not going to be here. We have to share it.”
Crowe said people are “genuinely” interested in learning more about First Nations traditions and culture.
“They realize that this is only a snapshot of the culture,” Crowe said. “However, they are grateful to receive it.”
Crowe said the teaching lodge is governed by two spirits — Waabi-ma’iingan and Ozhaawashko-giizhig (Clear Blue Sky) — with the purpose of promoting unity, love, kindness, sharing and caring.
The teaching lodge was developed about seven years ago after the late Elder Albert Mandamin interpreted visions and a dream Crowe had received.
Kelly Ann Babey, from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, appreciated the opportunity to learn more about First Nations culture during the visit.
“I learned more about the 200 and some types of sage,” Babey said. “I didn’t know there were that many. Wow.”
More than 850 delegates from about 45 countries around the world attended Rendez-Vous 2012 to share experiences, opportunities and challenges of community participation in education, service and research.
Rendez-Vous 2012 also featured a cultural social evening with Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic and Metis Nation of Ontario’s Tim Pile.