Red Lake Nation Language Symposium held on Saturday April 27, 2024 - P2

Wes Jourdain:

Gichi-miigwech gii-pi-izhaayeg to everyone that showed up for today's gathering. Things went the way that they were supposed to and the people who made it were meant to be there. We had presentations on drum teachings Mike Needham, lacrosse teachings (a young man from Misinaakwaang wanted to share with everyone), Indigenous Yoga Elizabeth Strong, Clan teachings, naming ceremony and colors, women teachings Frances Miller, along with a lot good discussions and Q&A session.

Our event was catered by the Red Lake Dept. Of Agriculture and man was that some awesome food throughout the day! Miigwech to Cherilyn Spears, Vince Johnson, and Brian Yazzie for keeping us fed! Miigwech to Red Lake Nation College staff for renting us the space to gather. Also a shout out to Red Lake Nation College Extention Services Lisa Marie and Weyakooroo Devault for presenting and having a session for people to make pipe bags and shell bowl bags, etc. Miigwech to Endazhi-nitaawiging and Waasabiik Ojibwemotaadiwin for their generous donations and contributions to today's event. And finally a big shout out to our crew of language/culture driven individuals (Anakwadookwe Long, Marcus Tyler, Trudy L. Jourdain, Gloria Jourdain) who came together and worked tirelessly to organize and pull off such an awesome event for the community.

I hope I didn't forget anyone and if I did, I apologize. Gii-mino-giizhigad noongom! Mii sa iw!