In acknowledgement of National Indigenous History Month, the Mnjikaning Kendaawasin Elementary School Choir sang a rendition of O Canada and former Rama First Nation Chief Lorraine McCrae’s Ojibwe Prayer Song at Monday’s city council meeting.
Led by teacher Fay Mackenzie, the students’ version of the national anthem, sung in the Ojibwe language, reflected the relationship the First Nation has with the land; Monday was the first time the students sang in person at a city council meeting.
James Simcoe and Ben Cousineau also spoke on behalf of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, with Mayor Don McIsaac saying the First Nation is “welcome here as friends of Orillia any time.”
The mayor spoke of the significance of the month.
“National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity for all of us to expand our knowledge, to better understand and appreciate the strength, diversity and culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada and in our own community,” the mayor said.
“We're proud as a council … to be recognizing and celebrating the stories, culture and heritage of our friends, residents and neighbours of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.”
Simcoe and Cousineau thanked council for the invite to Monday’s council meeting, with Simcoe saying how “special” it is to hear Indigenous language spoken in the council chamber.
“My granddaughter's here, and all of my nieces and some of my nephews are here. To hear them sing that language in the council chamber is very much appreciated and is always very special to me,” Simcoe said.
Cousineau spoke to the close relationship between Rama and Orillia throughout history, and how that relationship has improved in recent years.
“Thank you for having us here today. It’s an honour,” Cousineau said.
“Orillia has a near and dear place in our community’s history because for a long time this was part of our community; this was part of our reserve," Cousineau explained.
“It means a lot to us to be invited here on Orillia’s journey towards reconciliation; with the past five to 10 years, especially, things have really improved in terms of relationships nation to nation.”
