Nishiiyuu Cultural Gathering Sept 5-8, 2016

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

DAY ONE – EAST (where the sun rises, where life comes from)CNYC

CHAIRPERSON:

Paula Napash, Youth Chief-Chisasibi (Nishiiyuu Council of Elders Representative-CNYC)

KEY NOTE SPEAKERS:

• James Kawapit – Whapmagoostui Elder “Drum – Stories and Songs”
• Jordan Masty – Nishiiyuu Journey, Whapmagoostui Youth
• Joesph Neeposh – Waswanipi Elder “Storytelling”

WORKSHOPS:

• Canoeing Lessons (8 youth & public at a session)
• Traditional Drumming: Hunt Song with Elder James Kawapit
• Paddle making
• Shiishiiquin making

SPECIAL GUESTS:

• Chief Thomas Jolly, Cree Nation of Nemaska
• Youth Chief Tera Diamond, Cree Nation of Nemaska
• Youth Grand-Chief Cree Nation Youth Council
• Feast hosted by Local Community (Welcoming of the Visitors into the community)

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

DAY TWO – SOUTH (Teaching direction, women’s teachings and healing)

Partnership: Cree Woman of Eeyou Istchee Association

Chairperson: Linda L. Shecapio, President – CWEIA

Co-Chair: Elder Representative – CWEIA

Keynote Speaker: Raven Sinclair

Teachings: Robbie Matthews Dream Ceremony (4 girls & 4 women). Traditional birthing and parenting

9:00 am Opening and welcome for the 2 nd day

9:15 am Demonstration of Robbie’s Dream Ceremony by Elder Robbie Matthew

10:00 am Health Break

10:30 am Guest Speaker: Raven Sinclair

11:30 am Question period

12:00 pm Lunch Break

1:30pm Traditional Birthing Enactment by the Nishiiyuu Department of Cree Health Board

3:00pm Health Break

3:30pm Panel Discussion: Mothers and Parenting

4:00 pm Traditional Teaching Dialogue: Mothers and Kookumnouch

4:30pm End of day

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

DAY THREE – WEST (where sun sets, Learning direction)

Aanishchaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute

CHAIRPERSON:

WILLIE ISERHOFF, Director of Cultural and Social Development

Cree Nation Government, Vice-President of Aanishchaaukamikw

KEY NOTE SPEAKER:

Paula Menarick, Hooded Beading research and Workshop

WORKSHOPS:

– Beaded Hood program: Research & Community Presentation to the family in Mistissini and community of Mistissini
– Community Consultation on Exhibit Content & Long term plans Travelling Exhibit Plans

Consultation with Elders and Feedback on programs currently offered at ACCI or what elders feel should be presented to the children

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

DAY FOUR – NORTH (Keepers of the traditional knowledge, Medicine)

NISHIIYUU COUNCIL OF ELDERS (Traditional Medicine, Stories)

CHAIRPERSON:

ROBBIE MATTHEW SR, Chairperson NIshiiyuu Council of Elders

KEY NOTE SPEAKER:

• Marion Cox, Chisasibi Elders “Traditional Medicine”
• Willie K Gunner, Cree Trappers Association
  “Threats of Global Warming to the Cree Way of Life, effects on Hunters & Trappers”

WORKSHOPS:

• Presentation of Traditional Medicine
• Global Warming and threats it has on our way of life as Nishiiyuu
• Nishiiyuu Web of Life Sacred Circle

DISCUSSION PANEL:

• NISHIIYUU COUNCIL OF ELDERS EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
• CREE NATION YOUTH COUNCIL
• CREE WOMEN OF EEYOU ISTCHEE
• AANISCHAUKAMIKW

CLOSING OF THE GATHERING:

Location of Next Gathering Feast

Exhibits throughout the day;

• Traditional clothing

• Hunting tools

• Traditional Food

• Display of Different type of Snowshoes and region

• Traditional net making

• Traditional Beading & Crafting

WORKSHOPS:

• Beading (Paula Menarick-Beading Patterns, Beaded Hood)
• Beading Workshops – Beginners
• Moose & Caribou Hide
• Traditional Drum Making – James Kawapit
• Traditional Paddle making (carving) Harry Bearskin & John Crow
• Traditional Rattle making – Connie Bearskin & Beulah Crow

OTHER PARTNERS:

CREE OUTFITTING AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION:

Feasting Bundles

CREE NATIVE ARTS & CRAFTS ASSOCIATION:

Entertainment in Evenings & workshops (with local youth council)

SPECIAL WORKSHOPS/SESSIONS:

• DAILY PIPE CEREMONIES AT SUNRISE (TEE PEE)

• Sacred Fire Ceremony on the First Day

• VARIOUS TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES (INITIATION & INTRODUCTION)

• REIKI & REFLEXOLOGY SESSIONS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

• CEDAR BATHS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

• PERSONAL ONE ON ONE COUNSELING SESSIONS WITH TRADITIONAL HEALER & THERAPISTS