On May 4th and 5th, 2017, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong, and Councillor Logan Kanapathi traveled to the remote northern Ontario community of Eabametoong First Nation. This marked their first visit since they signed a Cultural Collaboration Agreement in January.
The goal of their trip was to officially recognize their new partnership within the territory of Eabametoong First Nation and to meet with local residents to discuss how they can build this relationship in a way that benefits everyone involved.
When they arrived in Eabametoong, Mayor Scarpitti, Councillor Armstrong, and Councillor Kanapathi were warmly welcomed by Chief Elizabeth Atlookan, Council members, and Band members who performed a welcoming song with hand drummers Elmer Atlookan, Kurt Atlookan, and Steven Meeseetawageesic.
A pipe ceremony followed by a feast took place where Mayor Scarpitti expressed that “Eabametoong First Nation is a dynamic community that has seen positive changes come about so far. Our hope is with the support and the partnership we will be able to further strengthen the relationship so that both our communities will benefit.”
According to Chief Atlookan, the Cultural Collaboration Agreement between a northern First Nation and a southern Ontario city is all about “thinking out of the box, striving toward real goals as we put actions to truth and reconciliation.”
During their visit, the Markham delegation explored various facilities including the Nursing Station, JC Yesno Education Centre, Detox Centre, Healing Lodge site, community garden project, and the new Sewing Circle Project.
Interestingly enough, renowned fashion designer Linda Lundstrom was also present in the community at that time. She was training Band members on advanced sewing equipment for an upcoming Cultural Tourism Showcase planned for June 2017. Through Linda Lundstrom’s Sewing Circle Project and this showcase event, community members are working towards creating new business opportunities within this remote area.
The funding for the garden project, Sewing Circle initiative, and Cultural Showcase has been generously provided through grants from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Photos
Left to right: Markham Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong; Eabametoong Councillors Steven Atlookan; Louie Sugarhead; Charlie Okeese; Chief Elizabeth Atlookan; Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti; Councillor Logan Kanapathi; Kenneth Caplan.
At the evening gathering during round table discussion.
At the breakfast hosted for the community
For more information:
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: mayorscarpitti@markham. ca or 905.475.4872.
Paul Holcroft, Eabametoong Cultural Showcase Director: 807-242-7282; 807-242-7221 or paul. holcroft@eabametoongfn. ca.
Media inquiries / interview requests: Corporate Communications & Community Engagement Department at media@markham. ca or 905.415.7548.
About Eabametoong First Nation: Known as Fort Hope as well , Eabametoong First Nation proudly belongs to both Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Matawa Tribal Council while being part of Treaty 9. It’s located 360 kilometres north of Thunder Bay along Eabamet Lake beside Albany River which can be reached by air or winter road. The total population according to data from 2014 shows over 2 ,500 individuals with around 1 ,500 residing on-reserve.
Source link
