In acknowledgement of National Indigenous History Month, the Mnjikaning Kendaawasin Elementary School Choir sang a rendition of O Canada and Lorraine McCrae’s Ojibwe Prayer Song in a video presented at the start of Monday’s city council meeting.
Led by teacher Fay Mackenzie, the version of the national anthem sung reflected the relationship the First Nation has with the land, she said.
“We sing the song O Canada, but it’s not the same as the O Canada you hear at … games or other occasions,” Mackenzie said. “This song is sung to the tune of that song, but it’s talking more about our relationship with the land. It’s the place where we come from, and we hold it in very high regard and consider it to be a sacred place.”
Mayor Don McIsaac and Rama First Nation council member Dillon Bickell spoke about the importance of National Indigenous History Month.
“I'm greatly honoured for you to have me here as you celebrate the launch of National Indigenous History Month,” Bickell said.
“It's through an understanding and an acknowledgement of our history that current and new relationships will be formed with mutual respect and appreciation," he explained.
“Our communities are woven together as in history is in today. And it is through this education campaign and other events like this that we'll begin and continue to move forward in a positive way,” said Bickell.
McIsaac said the city is “proud” to recognize the culture, heritage, and strength of Indigenous peoples.
“History was shaped by First Nations people, whose presence endures in our residents and our neighbours’ stories. The month itself was established in honour and celebration of rich stories and heritage, and the diversity of Indigenous peoples, and encourages Canadians to further their understanding and appreciation for that strength, diversity and culture of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island,” the mayor said.
“We are proud as a council … to be recognizing and celebrating the stories, culture and heritage of our friends, residents and neighbours of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.”
Bickell said, moving forward, it is important for people to understand the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and he said the acknowledgement of National Indigenous History Month is “a good step.”
“Without understanding the history, you can't move forward, so it's a good step,” he told OrilliaMatters.
“The fact that they're acknowledging it in a formal way, and having land acknowledgements and things … not long ago, things like that weren't even a possibility, so it's good to see the acknowledgement and understanding," said Bickell.
Later this month, on National Indigenous History Day (June 21), Rama First Nation will host a “full-day event” beginning at 10 a.m., Bickell said, including a parade, activities for youth, canoe races, and more.
Bickell encouraged community members to reach out to cultural leaders, and find local resources to learn more about Indigenous history.
“Most communities have a cultural person or a heritage department. Ask in a kind way – don’t demand,” he said. “And then just learn yourself; take it upon yourself to read a book or to find some local resources because there's many out there.”
