In acknowledgement of National Indigenous History Month, students from Rama’s Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School choir presented a rendition of O Canada and Lorraine McRae’s Ojibwe Prayer Song at council Monday evening.
In a video presentation to council, teacher Fay MacKenzie explained the anthem — while sung in its original tune — included lyrics that spoke of the First Nations' relationship with the land.
“Now, we sing the song, O Canada, but it's not the same as the O Canada that you hear at hockey 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 very sacred place because all life comes from here, where we live, and we love this place in our hearts. That's what we're singing about.”
Following the presentation, Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke, Chippewas of Rama First Nation Chief Ted Williams, and Beausoleil First Nation council member Jane Copegog spoke about the importance of National Indigenous History Month.
“I believe I can speak for all members of council. We're proud as a council and a city to be recognizing and celebrating the stories, the culture and the heritage of our friends, our residents and neighbours,” Clarke said.
"(National Indigenous History Month) is an opportunity for all of us to expand our knowledge so as to better understand and appreciate the strength and diversity and culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and in our own community.”
Chief Williams called on council and community members to implement a call to action from the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation report into their lives.
“I appreciate the acknowledgement of the month of June as Indigenous Awareness Month,” said Williams. “If I could ask you to read the Truth and Reconciliation Report from 2015, each and every one of you, if you could read the … report and take it upon yourselves to implement one one of the 94 calls to action, that would certainly make a huge difference in your education, (and) your understanding of the challenges that the First Nation community has faced over the last 150 years or more.”
Both Chief Williams and Copegog thanked Mayor Clarke and council for their work with Indigenous communities.
“Mayor Clarke, I do recognize that you've had a long relationship with our First Nation, so I'm sad to hear that you won't be running this year,” Copegog said. “Not only do we have a long shared history with Rama First Nation, but we've also had a very long and special relationship with the city of Orillia.”
“I want to say miigwetch to our good friends, and my personal friend, Steve Clarke. Many of you I've known for many years, (who) I regard as good friends and neighbours,” Williams said.
Clarke thanked Copegog and Chief Williams, but conceded that Canada still has a long way to go in terms of reconciliation.
“When I came to council in 2014, I had the knowledge that I think the vast vast majority of Canadians had about Indigenous issues, which was very cursory at best, so … I thank you for saying miigwetch for things that we've done, but boy we've got a lot more work to do,” Clarke said.
He also highlighted a virtual learning library, Gojijing Kikendaasogmig: A Place for Knowledge, on the Orillia website that showcases local Indigenous stories, heritage, and teachings.
"It's a virtual learning library comprised comprised of local stories and Indigenous teachings developed in collaboration of local elders, youth leaders, teachers and community members working towards truth and reconciliation, (so I) encourage residents to visit the site often, as its resources will continue to evolve and grow with our collective knowledge through further education and collaboration from the community," Clarke said.
