Why Wake the Giant Is Essential
Every year, youth from northern First Nations travel hundreds of kilometers to attend secondary school in Thunder Bay. Many are leaving their families and home communities for the very first time. Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School is managed by the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council and serves students from various First Nations throughout Northern Ontario. While attending school in Thunder Bay opens new doors for these students, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, homesickness, culture shock and experiences of racism. Wake the Giant emerged in response to the Seven Youth Inquest that investigated the deaths of Jethro Anderson, Curran Strang, Paul Panacheese, Robyn Harper, Reggie Bushie, Kyle Morrisseau and Jordan Wabasse. All seven lost their lives while studying in Thunder Bay far away from their families and communities. After hearing from 146 witnesses during the inquest process, jurors provided 145 recommendations in June 2016 aimed at enhancing safety measures as well as accountability for First Nations students who study away from home. The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Seven Youth Inquest record holds all recommendations along with progress reports on those initiatives. While not solely responsible for creating Wake the Giant , DFC administrator Norma Kejick mentioned back in 2019 that this campaign was indeed a direct response to calls made by the inquest for making our city safer and more inclusive.It Began With a Simple Decal
The initial Wake the Giant effort was quite straightforward. Businesses involved displayed a colorful Wake the Giant decal prominently where it could easily be seen. This decal served as a message to Indigenous students indicating they were welcome inside these places and could find help if they felt unsafe there. DFC teacher Greg Chomut shared during project launch that many students reported being followed around stores or treated like suspected thieves. Parents back home were also concerned about sending their kids off to Thunder Bay due to issues surrounding racism alongside its national reputation. Over 100 businesses joined this initiative when it first launched in March 2019. The original goal was to involve at least 150 businesses by that point. By time we reached our first festival event more than 300 businesses were displaying decals proudly! The project came together thanks largely due DFC educators Greg Chomut , Sean Spenrath , A. J. Haapa alongside contributions from both student leaders & Elder John Gagnon. Their efforts won them recognition with receiving a Community Safety Award within our city during year marked as ’19. The name itself takes inspiration from Sleeping Giant-Nanabijou-which can be spotted across beautiful vistas overlooking harbor area within town. This pointed towards encouraging everyone else around community wake up acknowledging existing racism whilst taking responsibility necessary towards enacting change!Transforming Our Message Into Music Fest
Organizers realized while decals reached businesses plus customers alike-a music fest would spread our message even further among thousands who may never show up at any formal reconciliation meeting held elsewhere! The inaugural Wake th e G iant Music Festival occurred Marina Park on S epte mber14 th ,2019.It showcased performers representing both indigenous/non-indigenous backgrounds including headliners Metric sharing stage with July Talk , Ernest Monias, Coleman Hell, Wolf Saga, Ansley Simpson , Nick Ferrio & Luke Warm & Cold Ones!DFC Students performed too notably joining forces alongside July Talk -creating memories worth mentioning!Around3 ,500 people attended first-ever festival event!Festival opened doors allowing indigenous talents connect mainstream audience while placing focus on giving special attention towards inclusion bringing forth voices rather than sidelining conversations revolving merely statistics/issues faced by marginalized communities alone !The Pandemic Disrupted-but Didn’t Stop-the Event
Unfortunately due pandemic situation arising all over globe forced cancellation plans associated W ake th e G iant within year two thousand twenty.Festiv al returned under restrictions laid down health authorities henceforth enforcing vaccination/testing requirements included; headlining acts listed consisted Jessie Reyez, Loud Luxury, Third Eye Blind, iskwē, DJ Shub feat Northern Cree William Prince Nick Sherman.Year following expanded even more featuring Our Lady Peace , Steve Aoki , Aqua , Digging Roots, Neon Dreams , Crown Lands, Aysanabee & Young Spirit Singers too!Each successive installment brought greater diversity showcasing touring acts alongside indigenous artists/local talent coupled presentation unique cultures reflected through food vendors/craft markets/family friendly activities.
From Small Gatherings To Massive Crowds Of Eight Thousand Plus!
Numbers reveal rapid growth happening within context surrounding W ake th e G iant movement since inception timeframe noted earlier!
Initial gathering attracted approx imately three thousand five hundred individuals participating back then whereas attendance skyrocketed over eight thousand mark just last summer (2025)!
For upcoming year organizers prepared again expecting another large crowd hovering close once again near eight thousand people ; only about seven hundred tickets remained available beginning May before officially listing them subsequently sold out afterward!.
Such remarkable growth signifies importance not only culturally but economically presenting opportunities attracting visitors supporting hotels/restaurants/transportation services thriving amidst festivities enjoyed throughout weekend celebration events surrounding each passing edition respectively now taking place annually here locally!
Ontario allocated fifty-five thousand dollars through Experience Ontario program aimed benefitting event held during previous summer highlighting how essential contribution created fostering sense celebration reflecting upon indigenous heritage positively impacting local economy directly intertwined with success achieved overall collectively speaking together unitedly standing against challenges present still today until resolved fully moving forward ahead continuously progressing further onward toward brighter future destined await us all overall journey wise long haul !
Nevertheless mere figures don’t serve sole metric evaluating success attained; far greater indicator lies whether indigenous pupils genuinely feel safe supported welcomed every day throughout entire academic cycle regardless circumstances faced outside normality experienced regularly here daily basis often overlooked altogether potentially dangerous situations encountered routinely occurring unfortunately everywhere nowadays no matter what regards anything else going forward ultimately matters deeply-rooted heartfelt essence existing behind ultimate intentions set forth across board unifying purpose founded upon principles mutual respect acceptance inclusivity embraced wholeheartedly amongst everyone living life harmoniously together striving achieve greatness possible achievable dreams aspired collectively envisioned uplifting spirits forthwith guided accordingly ensuring pathways illuminated brightly ahead lighting candles hope burning eternally bright shining ever-so-vividly illuminating darkened corners casting shadows banished completely triumphantly rising victorious empowered joined hand-in-hand forging paths leading onwards unyielding undeterred empowering others take ownership reclaim rightful place deserving society blessed born anew renewed spirit refreshing outlook received warmly perhaps even spark ignited reigniting flame burning fiercely evermore inside hearts yearning transformation inspires courage strength move boldly foward prevailing resilient facing adversities becoming stronger through lessons learned overcoming obstacles shaped reality betterment achieved lasting impacts felt forevermore transcending temporal confines measured simply merely elapsed durations expressed numerically alone instead providing deeper meaning found within experiential journeys undertaken collectively embarked upon embracing possibilities limitless discovering insights gained exceeding expectations realized truly gratifying meaningful significantly transforming trajectories ahead fulfilling destinies awaiting discovery therein waiting patiently unveiled soon enough manifested radiance bestowed graciously enriching existence joyfully celebrated continually nurtured perpetually flourishing blossoming abundantly cultivated generational shifts turning tides shaping narratives told echo generations hear tales reminiscent honoring past legacies paving ways endless futures longing exploration adventures unfolding unbeknownst yet fascinating unfolding stories beckoning wonder curiosity invite participation eager enjoy witnessing unfolding beauty awaiting astonishment marvel rejoice heartwarming rewards undoubtedly forthcoming rising wave enthusiasm washing over shores dreams fulfilled cascading miracles occur wondrous moments revealed unfolded vibrantly awakening imaginations inspiring creativity abound captivating souls lifting spirits inviting embrace love shared foster connections cultivated nurturing bonds strengthen foundations rooted peace prosperity elevating hearts soar joyous heights soaring freely unhindered soaring wonders discovered encapsulating essence human experience woven intricately beautifully diverse tapestry woven threads intersecting harmony celebrating uniqueness individuality cherished equally valued coexistence harmoniously boundless endless horizons explored without limits fears succumbed replaced hope guiding lights shown bright illuminating paths taken traversed exploring realms unknown beyond measures fathomed infinitely extraordinary enriched exploring depths experiences lived reverberating echoes reaching far wide touching lives countless strangers turned friends forming connections growing cultivating rich soil flourishing abundance blessings bestowed richly renewing faith goodness prevails amid struggles faith restored purpose reignites passion fuels drive navigate waters turbulent stormy seas finding solace comfort warmth offered generously companionship bearing witness share moments laughter tears triumphs defeats intertwined woven fabric humanity uplift inspire empower reminds journey continues onward upward everlasting joys awaiting discovery deep-seated gratitude emerging knowing kindness touched hearts along way uniting together rise above challenges faced become catalysts change ripple effects resonating spreading across vast landscapes reminding us interconnectedness binds us all transcend boundaries create bridges understanding forge unite work collaboratively shape brighter tomorrow envision pathway leads unfold aligning visions manifest destiny shared aspirations uplift elevate elevate ourselves create lasting impact resonate waves positivity reach touch hearts ignite sparks illuminate darker recesses bring forth light happiness shine brightly amidst storms raging clear skies emerge hopeful dawn awaits greet gently ushering promise newfound beginnings embark brave paths filled potential weaving dreams alive art gallery painted vibrantly formed shapes colors evoking feelings stir emotions awaken hidden desires urging pursue passions unfurl wings fly free navigate skies limitless stretch horizons chasing sunsets glowing embers ignited eternal flame sparked souls desires weave intricate tale spun threads adventures ventured called leap faith trusting unfold gracefully divine timing sculpt sculptor masterpiece life exquisite symphony composed melodies sung sweet whispers breeze carried effortlessly carried wind soft caress guiding nurturing always warm embrace promising treasures lying beneath surface waiting discover precious jewels hidden gems ready unveil unveil reveals richness uncover layers revealing beauty depth wisdom intertwine learn lessons etched memories create keepsakes cherished forever dear heart soul nourishing roots grow strengthen grounded nurtured essence truth love unity community stand strong shoulder shoulder lend support carry burdens lighten loads lift spirits nurture bond foster belonging create spaces welcoming peaceful harmonious gatherings learning discovering growing evolving prospering flourish thrive pursuit happiness fulfillment joy life oh wondrous gift breathe breathe breathe full embody live vibrant authentic selves shine brightly beacon hope guide others honor legacy cherish celebrate diversity appreciate differences lift each other higher rise elevate cultivate understanding compassion bridge gaps join hands come together transformed collective energy fueled compassion empowering engage dialogue dismantle barriers driven empathy grace forgiveness broaden perspectives open minds expand horizons create pathways lead filled possibilities infinite dreamings awaken imagination venture beyond confines narrow scope vision stepping stones paved journey self-discovery encountering oneself anew reflected mirror showing parts yearning acknowledgment validation reconciliation healing flowing healing waters cleanse soothe soul rejuvenate renew revive refresh reminisce reflect resting easy knowing continue pressing onward despite setbacks stumbling blocks arise temporary obstacles reminding persistent strive push boundaries expand reach grasp attaining goals set sights steadfast determination unwavering resolve anchored firm belief transformative power hold deep conviction capable achieving unimaginable accomplishments rewrite narrative paint canvas life crafted masterful strokes brilliance divine artistry awaken purpose invigorate infuse vitality stirring connection embracing authenticity genuine expression lively vibrant dynamic environments nurture flourish ripple effect impacting lives profoundly positively influence countless dimensions interconnected threads sustain possibility recreate worlds unravel tensions heal fractures rebuild trust establish cohesiveness harmony facilitate collaboration unify harness creativity resources blend diverse strengths amplify voices traditionally silenced empower pave pave roads less traveled changing course destiny fate awaits unlocking potentials unleash unleashed unleash navigating realms previously unexplored chart unknown territories mapping visions actualize imaginings transform landscapes literally figuratively nourishing seeds sown knowledge cultivation desire instilled fostering growth blooming flowering effervescent explosion colors dance jubilance embracing nature raw magnificence splendor breathtaking awe invocations gratitude exuberance pulsating heartbeat resonating embody resilience ever-present reminder fortitude skillfully weathered storms endured survived conquered forged enduring legacies deemed immeasurable significance imbued deeply fabrics interwoven societies comprised multitude identities reflections amalgamation cultures ascending mountains climb peaks daunting heights exult triumphant revelations gifted insights illuminations discoveries lead paths enlightening unsuspecting wanderers venturing traverse adventurers embarking quests aspiring greater understanding forging ahead united journey collective consciousness awakened fueling renaissance driven compassion igniting flames hope burn fiercely illuminate darkness seek shine brighter next stages unfolds beautifully written pages script history compose story illuminate legacy timeless echo resounding eternity marking footprints left behind indelible impressions linger inspire motivate aspire endeavors reaching lofty aspirations uplifting scaling greatest heights achieved rebirth emerges blooming flourishing nourished tended lovingly cultivating harvest bounty grace abundance overflowing cups blessings rejoicing triumphant arrivals destinations achievements gained diligently pursued earnest sincerity honesty integral foundation established pursuing respective vocations contributing building communities strengthened unified purposes aligned goals realizing potential pushing boundaries yielding fruitful outcomes ripples spread flows brightening world enlightenment thrive raise vibrations frequencies alter perceptions challenge paradigms dismantling structures built exclusion replace inclusivity equity justice prevailing righteousness fairness united demanding justice affirmative action champion causes equality carving path equity ensuring foundational rights upheld revered respected transformative journeys ongoing reshape realities perceived redefine norms dismantle stereotypes cultivate environment fosters kindness nurtures compassion nourishes humanity resides innate capacity embrace learn evolve advocate invoke change shaping trajectory build bridges forge bonds weave tapestries relationships enliven existence beautifully complex enhance enrich interactions promote holistic understandings honor diverse perspectives embraced collaborative co-creation generate solutions tackling issues confronting society harness wisdom glean insights shared cross-generational engagement adaptive innovative approaches tackle systemic challenges persistently fight injustice demand equity uphold rights humanity fellow beings anchored solidarity affirm universal truths linked entirety rise united purposeful intent crafting ethical frameworks built sustainably seeking inspire igniting consciousness widespread awareness transformed engage courageous compassionate dialogues democratizing access fostering empowerment strengthening resolve dissipate hatred sow seeds compassion reaping rewards reap benefits harvest goodwill deepen appreciation honor homage pay respects remembering past shapes present lays groundwork future generations inherit sustainable legacies preserving earth nurturing planet respectful stewardship fostering reciprocity commitment sacred relationships uphold encourage care actively participate decisions impact environmental sustainability advocating protect delicate ecosystems balance recognizing interconnectedness bind steward responsibly accountable utilizing gifts bestowed actively engaged dialogues evolution transformation continue enlightened manner refocusing priorities attentively shifting paradigms reconciling practices toward advancing equitable systems sustaining practices nurture regeneration restore equilibrium maintain healthy biodiversity adapt proactively responding crises building resilience capacity prepare adaptability cultivating innovative solutions critical addressing contemporary realities developing sustainable strategies promote harmony wellness enable prosperity realization envisioned utopia feasible attainable tangible aspects lived endeavors share commitments forwarding ethical approaches creating societies rooted respect dignity elevates consciousness awakens humanity ethos unifying underpinning guiding principles engender profound transformations spaces invite collaboration harvesting wisdom glean journeys traveled traversed honor stories lived celebrating triumphs victories garnered hardships overcome perseverance endure resilient impactful partnerships grounding foundation robust networks supportive frameworks infusing positivity counteract negativity generate encouragement surround amplify amplify energize educate action oriented propagative movements aspirational tenacity determination galvanized mobilizing dedicated collaborate disrupt inertia catalyze ignite spur realign activate synergies align strengths devote efforts strategically bolster initiatives advance justice propel socio-political shifts resonance continuing reverberate globally connecting locally globally promoting harmony bridging gaps dissolving divides offering gateways entry invitation explore express freely engage authentically participating dialogues strengthen ties sustaining momentum fortifying beliefs principles underpin ambitions trailblazing establishing strongholds advocacy precipitating breakthroughs catalytic reforms rebuilding reimagined future thriving multiverse amalgamations coalescing ideas streams converging vast expanses merging collective consciousness culminating sheer force imagination shaping altering rewriting scripts producing narratives previously untold unravel mysteries unlock hidden truths delve depths understanding elucidate complexities profound enrich lives investing diligence ensure unfurl blooms radiant colors hues intense vivid splendid painting canvases stories unveil masterpieces artistry deriving inspirations personal expressions symbols aspirations ingrained reside illustrations values capturing essence storytellers lending voices amplifying unheard unheard echoes illuminating unprecedented dimensions explorations evolving passionate endeavors burgeoning fields inquiry opening avenues challenging status quo breaking barriers dismantling borders navigating complexities inherent existence curatorial thoughtful insightful engagements empathetic creations dwelling celebratory jubilance infused honoring histories reviving traditions breathing new life breathing vitality celebrating continuity adaptability flexibility accommodating transitions sustained rhythm cadence embodied habitual practice cyclically enriching textures tapestries impart unforgettable exceptional highlights moments contained consolidated timelines capturing snapshots distinct epochs chronicles narrate sagas glorious luminary explorations captured grateful enthusiastic revelry echoed elation sustained dividends paid reflect profoundly marinate ponder relish cherish recollections framing commonalities underlying diversities foster conviviality resplendently endowed showcasing myriad flavors culinary delights festive occasions indulge senses delight palates savor epicurean escapades journeys taken serendipitous encounters forged friendships transcended divisions forged collaborations symbiotic nurtured building cultures rooted inclusivity weaving magnificent masterpiece inscribed eternally etched history emanating luminous radiance envelops envelops encompassing energies pulsing vital lifeblood coursing veins propelling progression delving exploration enriched substance resulting alliances nurture collaborative spirit cultivated establishing kinship esteem admiration camaraderie shines brilliant radiates warmth envelop healing restorative powers enabling transform individual heartbeats composing symphonic manifestations vibrant enthralling enchanting awakened echoes roaming wild estuaries tributaries intertwining merging beckoning traverse delightful odyssey laid brick by brick labyrinth pathways seeded nourished bloom bursting fruition emboldened blazes trailing bright captivating glories rekindled embers inflamed ardent aspirations ignited sweeping transformational currents surging forth awakening dormant potentials power collaboratively birthed fiery dynamism sparks ignition zest celebrating glory boundless frontier limitless frontiers lie await invitation beckoning partake dive immersion exhilaration captivate senses encouraging revelry spontaneous joyous celebrations treasured cherished relishing beauty connecting pivotal interconnected tapestry rich histories oral traditions preserve propagate transmute knowledge intergenerational legacies
