On September 18, I was once again invited to attend the Justice & Career Day Forum hosted by Temagami First Nation located on beautiful Bear Island. This is an annual event that is planned by the Victim Services Program. The event is hosted by, Program Coordinator Virgina McKenzie, and Program Assistant, Nancy Shipman.
It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining, and the temperature felt more like a summer day. Bear Island is one my favorite places to be in any season. It is situated on Lake Temagami, and it is the most serene and comforting place to visit.
This event invites community members and elementary students to educate them on the opportunities that lie in the justice field, whether it be an aspiring career or to witness all the good work that Temagami First Nation has accomplished.
The event commenced with Eight Thunderbird Drum performing an Opening Song. Elder June Twain then offered a morning prayer.
Virgina and Nancy were hosts of the event. Virgina presented a video by the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Arif Virani, welcoming everyone to the event.
Sgt. Thomas Saville offered a welcoming on behalf of the Bear Island Police.
The list of guest speakers included, Deputy Commissioner Kari Dart of the OPP, Sup Gerry Miracle of the OPP. They provided inspiring words for all those in attendance.
Tanya Debassige of Family Information Liaison Units (FiLUS) shared the work that her organization has accomplished. She spoke of the work that was completed in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
Shelley Boucher and Pearl Sandy from the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre presented on the steps the NBIFC is currently ongoing to establish an Indigenous People Court in North Bay. I was excited to hear that this process was occurring.
Holly Charyana, former Justice of the Peace in the Owen Sound region, offered encouraging words of her experiences working in the justice system.
Additional guest speaker included Andrew Both, OPP Tactical Response Unit, Yvon Clouthier, Special Investigation Unit, Daren Saville, Ministry of Natural Resources, Inspector Marcel Beaudin with the OPP.
Former Police Office, Doug McKenzie, was honoured for his work as an OPP officer on Bear Island. He gave an emotional and inspiring acceptance speech.
One of the highlights of the day was the pickerel lunch that members of Temagami First Nation prepares and shares. It has become so popular that many in attendance invited guests to join them. Thankfully the chefs of the lunch prepped for a large group so there was plenty to feast on for all.
Temagami First Nation Justice & Career Day has always been a pleasure to attend. To see what a small but mighty Indigenous community can accomplish is truly inspiring. I look forward to attending next year’s event already. The day was filled with so many interesting people and stories, and the weather incredibly perfect that I didn’t even take out my phone to take pictures.
Miigwech,
Kathy Priolo