2016 Rama Powwow Guide

Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow Program 2016

Table of Contents Greetings from Chief Noganosh Greetings from the Powwow Committee Welcome from Rama’s EMS Teams Powwow Agenda Powwow Pictures Head Staff Profiles Welcome to The John Snake Memorial Multipurpose Community Grounds Sponsors who make the Rama Powwow Possible

4 5 6 7 8-9 10-13 14 15-16

Acknowledgements:

T

he Culture and Research Department acknowledges the efforts and contributions of Chief and Council, Community Cultural Advisory Committee (CCAC), volunteers, administrative departments, and sponsors that have assisted in the preparations and production of this year’s Powwow Celebration including the exceptional support and hard work of all Powwow Committee members.

W

e equally acknowledge our many community members, visitors, and friends who come out each year to support us during this unforgettable celebration. Together we will give thanks for the blessings that we have received as a community and we will celebrate through song and through dance.

Gchi Miigwech Kina Wiya!

PROGRAM INFORMATION: Created by the Rama First Nation Culture and Research Department Chippewas of Rama First Nation, 6145 Rama Rd. Rama, ON Telephone: (705) 325-3611 Anne Harrigan, Education Support Coordinator (705) 325-3611 x 1522 Vicki Snache, Cultural Liaison (705) 325-3611 x 1297 Raven Noganosh, Events Coordinator (705) 325-2611 x 1284R Ben Cousineau, Reseacher / Archivist (705) 325-3611 x 1288 www.ramafirstnation.ca www.facebook.com/ramapowwow

August 2016 Aaniin, Kina Wiya. Greetings everyone.

On behalf of myself and Council, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation are pleased to share in this special Powwow celebration.

This is our 31st Annual Celebration, a special way of remembering and honouring our heritage. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone to the John Snake Memorial Multi-Purpose Grounds, named in honour of a dear friend who inspired us.

As you share in the weekends events, we hope that you will gain an appreciation for our culture, the traditions and stories which have shaped our community. Powwows are a time for building relationships, friendships and respect. We hope you make friendships that will bring you back for years to come.

At this time of year, we celebrate the bounty which our Mother Earth provides. This is reflected in our ceremonies, dances, songs, and fasting. We hope that you will join with us as we honour our Mother Earth for all that she gives.

Miigwech. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Chief Rodney Noganosh

Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow Program 2016

Greetings from The Powwow Committee

POWWOW MERCH On sale at the Rama Powwow Merch table are Rama Powwow shirts, sweaters, and hats! Stop by to check everything out before it’s gone! Get a free pair of Rama Powwow sunglasses with whatever you buy (while supplies last)!

Find the Rama Powwow Merch Table located near the front gates!

(Items not exactly as seen in picture)

www.facebook.com/ramapowwow

Aaniin Boozhoo from Rama First Nation’s Emergency Service Teams On behalf of the members of the Rama Fire & Rescue Services, I am pleased to welcome you and your families to the 2016 Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow.

Rama Fire & Rescue Services provides full-time 24 hour fire and emergency coverage to members of Rama and our guests.

Please don’t hesitate to drop by our fire hall at 7454 Williams Road and one of our firefighters will take you on a tour of our facilities. We hope you have a safe time as you enjoy our annual powwow.

Michael French Fire Chief/CEMC, CMM III, CFEI, CFII Fire Suppression Professional Fire Prevention Professional Emergency Management Professional On behalf of the men and women of the Rama Police Service, I am pleased to extend this welcome to you while joining us for the 2016 Annual Powwow.

Our officers patrol Rama on a 24/7 basis and are here to ensure everyone’s safety and security. If you require an officer, call 1-888-310-1122 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.

John C. Domm, M.O.M., BAA, MA, CMMIII Chief of Police Rama Police Service @Rama_Police and follow Rama Police Service on Facebook Aaniin and welcome to the Rama First Nation 2016 Annual powwow. Rama Paramedic Services are happy to keep you safe while you enjoy Rama’s 31st powwow. We are proud to have one of the highest skill sets for Primary Care Paramedics in Ontario to assist in providing the highest level of pre-hospital care for our community and visitors.

Our Paramedics service the community on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis as well as we do some routine home visits to check on our community members that are in need. We are always here to lend a hand to our community and its visitors.

If you have a medical emergency please dial 9-1-1 and ask for an ambulance. Please enjoy the Powwow safely and feel free to visit our first aid booth should you need anything. Just look for our ambulance.

Carrie Hassberger Chief of Paramedic Services Rama Paramedic Services Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow Program 2016

2016 Powwow Agenda*

Saturday August 20th: 10:00am

Gates Open

12:30pm

Drum Roll Call

12:40pm

Opening Prayer

12:45pm

Blessing of the Grounds Grass Dance Special

1:00pm

Grand Entry

1:30pm

Flag Song

1:45pm

Introducing Veterans and Posting Colour Party

2:05pm

Welcoming Address: Chief Rodney Noganosh, Rama First Nation Council, and invited dignitaries, competition singing and dancing

4:45pm

Women’s Fancy Spotlight Special (2 songs 2 times through)

5:00pm

Break for feast at Rama Hall

6:30pm

Grand Entry, Retiring of Eagle Staff and Colour Party, Powwow Continues

8:00pm to 10:00pm

Competition Singing and Dancing; Smoke Dance Special; Women’s Fancy Spotlight Special (final song, winners announced); Hand Drum Special

Sunday August 21st: 10:00am

Gates Open

12:25pm

Prayer

12:30pm

Grand Entry

1:00pm

Welcoming Address

1:30pm to 5:30pm

Competition Dancing, Intertribals, and Specials throughout the afternoon

5:30pm

Retiring of Eagle Staffs and Flags Winners announced and giveaway.

6:30pm

Victory Song

*Agenda is flexible and some dances or events may start earlier or later than scheduled www.facebook.com/ramapowwow

Photographs of Past Rama Powwows These photographs by Robert Snache at www.spirithands.net

Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow Program 2016

Photographs of Past Rama Powwows These photographs by Cindy Rossit www.facebook.com/CindyRossitPhotography

www.facebook.com/ramapowwow

Head Staff Master of Ceremonies

Vince Beyl of Bemidji, Minnesota, is an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation Ojibway Tribe of Minnesota and recently retired as the Director of Indian Education in the Bemidji Public Schools. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam from 1970-71.

He was a member of the Red Earth Singers from Tama, Iowa, who was a champion singing drum group in the 1970s and early 1980s, and travelled all over the United States and Canada.

Before picking up the microphone and announcing, he was a traditional dancer and competed and travelled to many champion powwows throughout the US and Canada.

As an educator he has had the great honour and privilege to work with American Indians of all ages in promoting educational opportunities, personal enhancement, and spiritual growth among Native students. His strong beliefs of perpetuating individual success, nurturing spiritual values, encouraging tribal advancement and promoting positive change among Indian people have been a consistent message in Native communities and at powwows throughout North America for many years.

“I would like to thank the Rama First Nation Powwow Committee for inviting me to be one of your announcers for this year’s celebration along with the rest of your head staff. We all are looking forward to enjoying ourselves and having a great time at your celebration. Miigwech!!!!!!!!”

Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow Program 2016

Head Staff Master of Ceremonies

Eyaaw’yaan, of Christopher J. Pheasant (Neganigwane) BiiboonNiimikii (Winter Thunder), AnishnaabeNoozwin

Chris Pheasant is an Anishnaabe of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve located on Manitoulin Island. He is a proud graduate of Laurentian University receiving his degree in Native Studies and his B.Ed. from Queens University. Chris worked as a guidance counsellor, teacher and vice principal at Wasse Wikwemikong Abin High School for the past 14 years and is now retired.

He enjoys promoting the Anishnaabe language, culture and traditions.

Chris is a part of the powwow family for over 35 years as a singer, dancer, coordinator, arena director, and more recently as a M.C. He has had the opportunity to sing with many singing groups such as the Otonabee Singers, Wikwemikong Drum Committee, Snake Island and now the Chippewa Travelers. Through the nurturing of many family members, elders and powwow friends throughout Turtle Island, Chris’s understanding of powwow procedures, protocol and tradition is respected.

“I have had the honor in serving the people of Wikwemikong at the political governing level for two terms and sat on many boards on/off reserve. My philosophy is: knowledge is the key to success and success comes from learning. Miigwech for the honour in sharing this time with you all.”

Arena Director

Allan J. Manitowabi (Bear Clan) of Beausoleil First Nation comes to us originally from Wikwemikong First Nation, Manitoulin Island. Presently, he is living with his family on beautiful Christian Island (Beausoleil First Nation) where he is married, has two children, and five grandchildren.

He has served his community in various capacities in Culture, Recreation, Health and is currently the Fire Chief. His outstanding career in the field of Fire & Emergency services is evident in that he has over 30 years as a volunteer and is a real advocate in fire prevention and education for First Nations and the Ontario region. He has received many awards and commendations including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Allan has travelled across Turtle Island and is known by many on the powwow trail. Allan has been on the powwow trail for over 49 years as an Emcee, Singer, Fancy Dancer, and Arena Director. He shares many stories of song and dance, and brings a wealth of knowledge, respect and honour to our powwow celebration. www.facebook.com/ramapowwow

Head Staff

Head Veteran

Roland Monague resides at Beausoleil First Nation at Christian Island, Ontario. He lives with his wife Lori and 17 year old son Roly Jr. He has three grown daughters Niki, Joscelyn, and Adrianna who no longer reside at home and he has two grandchildren named Ben and Savanna.

Roland joined the Canadian Armed Forces in May 1980 at the age of 18. He served with the Canadian Military for 10 years and attained the rank of Sergeant prior to leaving the Military. He served with the Airborne Artillery while stationed at CFB Petawawa. In 1983 he was posted to CFB Lahr in West Germany for four years during the Cold War era. In 1987 he returned to the jump unit in CFB Petawawa prior to his retirement in 1990.

Roland returned home to Christian Island and became a First Nations Constable in 1996. He served with the Island detachment until 2010. During his active Police service he also served as a Band Councillor for his community for four two year terms.

He eventually left Policing in 2010 when he was elected as Chief of his First Nation. Roland served three two year terms as Chief and is presently happily retired and spending quality time with family

Singing Judge

Rodney Stanger (Eagle Clan) is from Timiskaming First Nation, Quebec in Algonquin territory. Currently, Rodney is living in Shawanaga First Nation with his fiancee Danielle, and their three children. For the past three years, Rodney Stanger has been working for the Near North School Board where he teaches Junior Kindergarten to grade 12 students about native culture and the drum.

Rodney Stanger has been a well-respected singer for over 20 years on the pow-wow trail. Over the years Rodney has sang with some of the most respected drums in pow wow country such Whitetail Cree, Bear Creek, and for the last 11 years he has been apart of the Midnite Express drum group from the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Some of the group’s achievements include: • • • •

Two Canadian Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards Gathering of Nations Singing Championship Juno Award Midnite Express was featured on the Gathering of Nations CD that won a Grammy in 2010 • Numerous powwow singing championships Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow Program 2016

Head Staff Dance Judges Maanchiiskwe dishnikaas; Nigig Dodem Wiigwaaskiniga doonjiba Maretta Jones is a member of the Wasauksing First Nation on the shores of Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. Maretta is a traditional Anishinabekwe who has been taught the tradition, language and cultural teachings of the Anishinabek from her parents, grandparents and many Tribal Elders throughout Turtle Island. She is an accomplished Jingle Dress dancer who is knowledgeable of the history and teachings associated with this dress. She is entering her third decade of learning and dancing in the Jingle Dress style.

After a lengthy career in First Nation public service in Federal, Provincial, State, and private sectors Maretta Jones began working as a cultural consultant and began a home based family run business called Rolling Thunder Dance Traditions focusing on cultural teachings, regalia making teachings, dance teachings, custom regalia, and custom dance performances.

Naokwegiizhig dishnikaas; Mukwa dodem Anishinawbek nini; Wiigwaaskiniga doonjiba Tim W. McGregor is a member of the Anishinawbek Nation and resides in Whitefish River First Nation on the shores of Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. After three decades of service in First Nation governance at the First Nation, Tribal Council, Federal, Provincial, and private sector in both the United States and Canada, his life is now focused on the language, traditions, culture and the practices of the Anishinawbek.

Having received lifelong teachings from his parents, elders and veterans specifically as it relates to dance, Tim has become well respected teacher/mentor and is part of a family business called Rolling Thunder Dance Traditions. Dance teachings, dance performances, regalia making teachings, and custom regalia making are the pillars of Rolling Thunder Dance Traditions. www.facebook.com/ramapowwow

Welcome to The John Snake Memorial Multipurpose Community Grounds This year marks the inaugural year of the Rama Powwow being held at its new home: The John Snake Memorial Multipurpose Community Grounds located at 6030 Rama Road, Rama, ON. Work on the grounds began in late 2015, but the idea was imagined years earlier. The late John Snake, powwow committee members, and community members talked about a permanent home for the Rama Powwow for a long time. Many will remember the powwow being held all over Rama; Black River Wilderness Park and the MASK (arena) were two of several locations where the powwow took place. As we moved around from venue to venue, the idea of a permanent place for powwows and gatherings became more and more appealing.

Dreams were had and concepts were drawn. A few people from Rama had come up with a beautiful vision of the powwow grounds - now known as the John Snake Memorial Multipurpose Community Grounds.

After ensuring the area was safe and environmentally suitable for development, clearing of brush began. We stressed the importance of keeping the space as natural as possible, hence the many trees still standing to offer shade and a woodlands-style feeling. Not long after clearing the area, topsoil was brought in, the dance arena was sodded, and grass seed was laid.

The grounds are currently in “phase one” of their development. In the next couple of years, the grounds will be completed based on the concept drawings. Further developments include permanent stage and seating structures, an arbor, washrooms/change rooms, and much more.

Once complete, the grounds will truly be one of the best powwow venues in Ontario.

While the grounds are the home of the Rama Powwow, they will also be used for other community gatherings and events. We are so proud to have a place for our community to come together.

An unveiling ceremony was held in Rama in May, where John’s family took part in unveiling the giant stone bearing the name of the grounds. The feeling at the unveiling ceremony was unanimous: John would be proud to see the powwow has at last found its home.

Please enjoy our new grounds.

The John Snake Memorial Multipurpose Community Grounds will continue to be developed and expanded upon; we look forward to welcoming you in the years to come!

Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow Program 2016

Sponsors of the 2016 Rama Powwow

Sponsors of the 2016 Rama Powwow

Dee’s Smoke Shack

A.J. Lanzarotta Gchi Miigwech for attending the 2016 Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow!

On behalf of the Powwow Committee, miigwech for joining us and we hope you have a great weekend.

Baa maa pii and safe travels!

Save the Date The 2017 Rama Powwow is from August 19th-20th!