Miigwetch/Thank You Serpent River FN
“We meet people that think the way we do on our journey,” she said. “We’re not meeting the ones that we should be meeting, ones like the Harpers, the Obamas, the big corporations – they are the ones that we would like to hear from and we would like to speak to because they are the ones that are making money on the water, the environment and everything else.” Nokomis Josephine
We, the Eastern Water Walkers, were honoured at SRFN with a wonderful feast and gifts, May 31st, to which we say “Miigwetch.”
I was so moved, I cried, for as we entered the Community Centre the kind people of SRFN rose and gave us a rousing standing ovation and the Drummers sang a heartfelt song. Miigwetch/Thank you all for this most precious memory.
To all of you who offered your homes – thank you. To all of you who cooked the exceptional meal – thank you. To all the youth who showed their appreciation by extending their hands in friendship and saying “Miigwetch” to each of us – Miigwetch, we know that you will continue this journey of caring for the Water and Mother Earth. To Wilma-lee Johnston who spoke on behalf of Chief and Council who graciously extended their well – wishes and support to us – thank you. Michelle Pelletier and Tony Moor thank you for your generous support.
To the community members who joined us in the walk – Cheryle Sago; Michelle Owl; Wasacum Owl; Quinn Meawasige; Dianna Meawasige; Luella Meawasige Doreena (Blondie) Pine; Mary Wabagiishig; Gail Jacobs; Angela Trudeau; Mitzi McLeod; Melodie Neva; Evelyn (Chicky) Day – chi miigwetch.
To the Drummers – thank you for the Honour Song. To Elder Art Meawasige – your kind words will long be remembered – Miigwetch. To Cheryl Johnston – thank you for the socks. To Stan Panimick – the painting you created to honour the Walkers is so beautiful – thank you. To Joseph Owl – thank you for your kind words and raising awareness on your MOOSE fm program. Isaac Day – you were an excellent MC – thank you.
To Rhonda Stoneypoint (with help from her friends) who at the last minute managed to pull it all together – Miigwetch Niichkenh.
If I forgot your name, I do profoundly apologize and say Miigwetch for your support and kindness. Blanche Meawassige
- – - -
Contact Info: Joanne Robertson waterwalk2011@gmail.com and Suzanne Patles suzanne-monique@hotmail.com
Lead Walkers: Josephine Mandamin, Melvina Flamand
Staff Carrier/s: Josh Metansinine, Gabriel Peltier, John Bobbiwash (Blind River to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan)
Support Walkers: Madeleine Huntjens, Cheryl Suggashie, Blanche Meawassige
Youth Walkers:
Support Driver/s: Tony (Machias to Bad River)
May 30, 2011 – Serpent River FN
Event:
Accommodations: Serpent River women have offered the following accommodations:
- Evelyn Day – up to 4 people
- Leila McCumber – up to 3 people
- Cheryl Hankard – 1 person
- Gail – up to 3 people
- Joyce Dillen – 2 people
- plus 1 unnamed alternate
Accommodations Contact: Blanche Meawassige (walking)
Feast/Food: SRFN is planning for a 6pm potluck
Gas:
Gift Certificates: groceries, gas, drug mart
Press Conference: Joseph Owl, MOOSE 94.5FM will be on hand 
Coded by Northern Technomics