Dryden Leadership Meeting (Kaniigan Shkamowaat Shagaswayiitiiwuk)

DRYDEN, ON – December 14, 2023 –  City of Dryden Leadership, in the spirit of respect and friendship, exchanged tobacco with area First Nation Community Leaders at a meeting held in Dryden on November 24^th.

The meeting provided an opportunity for leaders to have an open and honest dialogue.  Common challenges were identified, and those present acknowledged racism’s impact and subsequent trauma.  All Leadership recognized the importance of working together in harmony, and with one voice, to improve the lives of those living in all our communities while at the same time respecting and understanding our differences.

During initial planning discussions, “getting to know our neighbours through meaningful communications and engagement” was the goal of City Leadership.

The City of Dryden Working Circle encouraged City of Dryden Leadership to reach out to its neighbours to hold a meeting that would open those lines of communication and recognize the importance of both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples coming together to build communities that are diverse and inclusive and that will generate meaningful and lasting change that will benefit us all.

City of Dryden Leadership exchanged tobacco with area Leaders and the invitation was accepted by representatives of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation/Waabigonii Zaaga’igan; Eagle Lake First Nation/Migisi Sahgaigan; Lac Seul First Nation/Obishikokaang; and Wabauskang First Nation.

The meeting was held at the Dryden Native Friendship Centre Gathering Room on November 24, 2023.  This historical event honoured guests through an opening prayer and pipe ceremony along with the exchange of tobacco and gifts.  Also in attendance, the Hillside Singers from Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation performed traditional drums and songs.  Cheryl Edwards, a member of the Working Circle and Executive Director of the Dryden Native Friendship Centre, guided the meeting and translated the ceremonies that were performed in Anishinaabemowin.

Leadership at the meeting recognized the importance of building relationships through understanding and respect and identifying our common interests.  It was mutually agreed that we are stronger as one voice in our efforts to build healthier communities and represent our Region’s interests.  Further discussion on coordinating a framework to move forward, including establishing a mandate and possible Friendship Accord and Memorandum of Understanding to guide our efforts for the future, will be topics for a follow-up meeting to be held in April 2024 at Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation/Waabigonii Zaaga’igan. 

Mayor Harrison commented, “I believe this was a significant event in the life of our community.  Building strong relationships with the leadership of our Indigenous neighbours is very important to our growth as a caring and diverse community.”

Attachments

Media Release - Kaniigan Shkamowaat Shagaswayiitiiwuk