Our People
Our Treaty People By Cheryl Recollet, Director of Research and Engagement, RHW
A big part of understanding our Treaty is knowing and acknowledging our people. We want to share who we are as Anishinaabe on Robinson Huron Treaty Lands. We want to celebrate Anishinaabe from our communities and honour the contributions of our families. Each issue will feature a young leader and an Elder. We want to encourage and foster strength and love in our stories and relationships. We are very pleased to feature Robear Assinewe and Elder Rita Corbiere in our very first issue.
Our Young Leader Profile
ROBEAR ASSINEWE By Cheryl Recollet, Director of Research and Engagement, RHW
When we began writing this magazine, I immediately knew that Robear was somebody we wanted to feature. I have known Robear for a few years and have always been inspired by his commitment and care for our youth. Robear Assinewe is a member of Sagamok Anishnawbek. He is currently studying Political Science at Algoma University
and working as a Cultural Coordinator for Boys and Girls Club of Gnoozhekaaning (Bay Mills). At school he studies to better understand social, political movements, and Western Institutions. At work he engages youth and encourages them to participate in learning their history, playing traditional games, sharing stories and drinking tea. I asked Robear to share a few words with our treaty family:
“Miigwech for this opportunity to contribute to this awesome Treaty magazine! This magazine is an outlet to keep our people informed and updated on Treaty news. Youth development is a key aspect to my job. Educating our youth is vital for their success in their paths moving forward. Education, not as an indoctrination in a workforce, but education into themselves and as Anishinaabe. Equipping them with the ability to critically think, to appreciate their teaching and themselves. Let’s create spaces that are safe and where our knowledge is relevant. I encourage our people to stay informed and continue their learning. Learning could be from our teachings, stories, academic articles, Elders, this magazine, educators, land, and water. Begin your healing journey, you don’t need lateral violence being your ball and chain slowing you down or stopping you from the work that needs to be done. Treaty related? Start asking questions. What is a Treaty? What is Sovereignty? Who did our ancestors sign treaty with? Why? Is the Crown Canada? Who is the Crown? What are our responsibilities? I think Canada should put Treaty curriculum into their own education system, otherwise they will have a lot of their citizens confused about their Treaty responsibilities. Let’s move forward together. Miigwech.”– Robear E-Wiindamaagejig: The Robinson Huron Treaty Times |
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