CHIPPEWAS OF RAMA FIRST NATION – Hosted by the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity, the Lifetime Achievement Awards were held on Oct. 19 at Casino Rama in Chippewas of Rama First Nation to honour Anishinabek citizens who have made a significant contribution to their First Nation.

Some 300 people from across the Nation attended this year’s event and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe presented the awards to the honourees or their families.

Honourees included:

Jeanne Naponse – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

Earning her Master’s Degree from Central Michigan State University, Jeanne Naponse has been involved in the field of education for the last 40 years. She served as a teacher, professor, student councillor, and education councillor in addition to an Academic Dean. She was instrumental in the development of several college diploma programs designed to address the needs of First Nations. She recognizes that education is an important tool in building stronger, healthy, and prosperous communities.

Throughout her professional career, she served on numerous boards and committees, gaining valuable knowledge, sharing her experience, and is recognized as a skilled negotiator. In her community, she served as a council member and she became the first female to be elected Chief. During her time as Chief, she was instrumental in creating the first self-government structure for Atikameksheng using the Dodem as a traditional governance model.

She is also a Knowledge Keeper and speaker of Anishinaabemowin and recognizes the importance of Elders and their knowledge in working toward the future of our communities. She is proud of her cultural teachings and traditions.

Dianne Thomas – Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation

Dianne Thomas has been the Economic Development Officer in her community for close to 30 years and is directly responsible for much of the community’s development in terms of policy development, infrastructure, and employment and training. She has helped in the acquirement and development of numerous businesses, which has resulted in many jobs being created and is considered a “ninja master” when it comes to finding support and proposal writing.

She has shown leadership and helps guide discussions in her region through the Southern First Nations Secretariat, often leading the charge for the betterment of all member First Nations in the area.

She believes that our heritage and culture are the roots in our successes, incorporating Anishinaabe components in all activities she is involved in, writes, or develops. She has a strong belief in her identity and culture.

Ferdinand Paibomsai – Whitefish River First Nation 

A committed and loyal worker, Ferdinand Paibomsai began his career in carpentry in 1966. He learned from his mentors about what it took to build quality homes from the foundation up for his community of Whitefish River First Nation. He went on to work on many projects within the community including the construction and renovation of residential buildings as well as numerous administration buildings.

Loving the trade, he wanted to teach and mentor others. Many women in the community joined a “Women in Carpentry” project, where he was able to mentor and transfer his knowledge. To this day, there are still a few of these women who work in the trade of carpentry.

As though the literal building of the community wasn’t enough, he wanted to give back in other ways as well. Learning from his best friend and mentor, he was taught the art and responsibility of becoming a cross and rough box maker for his community. In memory of the person who passed, he takes his time and creates a unique cross for the family, an important part of the grieving process.

He has since hung up the hammer, but still continues to work with wood, carving and making wooden bowls through his small business “From the Wood Pile”.

Recognized in his community as “Living the good life”, he has been presented with the Whitefish River First Nation Seven Grandfathers award. He is a respected Elder and lives his life demonstrating kindness and helping others when he can.

Jeff Naponse – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

A retiree from the mining sector, Jeff Naponse has proudly served as band councillor in Atikameksheng, actively working with multi-levels of government, building strong relationships while fostering a healthy community.

Being a strong believer in the culture and healing, he has been an active member of the Health and Community Wellness Committee since 2018. In his role, he promotes a balanced holistic lifestyle, which includes emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being in addition to cultural values and principles.

He is an avid learner and user of Anishinaabemowin, actively promoting and searching for ways to advance the language, cultural teachings, and traditions. His exemplary knowledge, skills, and dedication to his community are an inspiration to others.

Paul Henry – Kettle & Stony Point First Nation

Paul Henry dedicated his career to helping create viable opportunities for First Nations in need of economic development and capital projects.

He began his career gaining experience with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, which led him to employment with the Ontario Native Community Branch, Tecumseh Development Corporation, and the N’Amerind Friendship Centre.

During his time with various organizations and Ministries, he was determined to ensure First Nations accessed funding that would bring economic stability and employment opportunities to the communities. He worked within his role to help gain support for various project proposals that were submitted.

In his retirement, he continues to sit on various committees within the communities to help support initiatives and is regularly called upon by local First Nations to share his knowledge in the management and economic development plans.

Harvey Petahtegoose – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

Harvey Petahtegoose has spent the last 29 years serving his community in the role of councillor as well as a few years as Chief. He is active in his community attending various programs, community events, visiting the sacred grounds, and on occasion, lighting a fire in the Arbour.

He has accumulated a wealth of knowledge over the years and brings that with him to share when dealing with any issues the community is facing or when he is sitting on one of the various boards that he participates in.

Having older siblings being taken away to Indian Residential School, he places high importance on his family. He is very proud to be part of the Elk Clan, known for their generosity and taking good care of the people.

Kevin Mossip – Zhiibaahaasing First Nation

After initially being elected as a deputy band councillor in 1995, Kevin Mossip has been elected to and has continued this role for the past 28 years. His hard work and dedication to his community is unmatched, working tirelessly in several roles throughout the years in order to help build his community, almost literally, from the ground up.

From his start in the finance department, he found himself being part of many projects throughout the years and is still going strong to this day.

He has gained extensive knowledge over the years, having a hand in several projects, such as the Robinson Huron Treaty, Wind Farm, Manitoulin hotel Project, $10 million Tourism Project, Economic and Housing Projects, to name a few. He has also campaigned on Governance issues as well as for the Anishinabek Education System.

Through all this, he has also served as a Board Member for Waubutek Development for 15 years.

He is always available to help whenever called upon to share his knowledge and expertise wherever it’s needed. He is dedicated to his community and the future of Zhiibaahaasing First Nation.

Judy Shawnoo –Kettle & Stony Point First Nation

Judy Shawnoo has always put her community first, spending over 40 years working for her community in Health Services as well as Finance. She is known for her integrity, character, gracefulness, and poise. She has been dedicated to her community, always helping in any capacity to ensure the community received the help required in any situation. Whenever help or guidance was needed, it was commonly said “call Judy, she’ll know”. She is a role model, holding a lot of community knowledge and always working with compassion and a smile.

In her retirement, she continues to serve her community through her church outreach and work with seniors along with her role on the Kettle & Stony Point Board of Education Committee. She shares knowledge on how to put people first, walk in love and integrity.

Larry Naponse – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

A leader in his community, Larry Naponse served as Chief as well as councillor for many years starting way back in 1967. He was always active with a goal of creating strong relationships and building a healthy community.

Over the years, he has spent much time participating in various committees and working closely with the North Shore Tribal First Nations towards achieving goals in health, education, and self-governance.

His expertise and experience working with multi-levels of government over the years has given him the knowledge to help his community continue to grow and prosper.

He is a well-respected leader in his community and proud of his Anishinaabe ways. 

The Late Karen Mosko-baa – Munsee Delaware Nation

The Late Karen Mosko-baa’s goal was to attend university to complete studies and gain her teachers certificate. As we all know, sometimes life can get in the way, but after approximately eight years of trying to make it work, she finally succeeded and successfully completed her studies. She helped in the community by creating updated communications so the community could stay current and spent almost two decades teaching and revitalizing the Lunape language, in-person and online, both within her community and abroad. Her dedication, hard work, and sharing of our traditional knowledge and language will be carried for generations.

She started a YouTube page as a learning resource for her students. She always made herself available to her students for additional support. She was instrumental in teaching the younger generation about the importance of our Elders, the keepers of the knowledge, and the respect we should carry towards them.

Elizabeth Cloud – Kettle & Stony Point First Nation

Following her role as Band Manager, Elizabeth Cloud has served her community in the capacity of Band Councillor since 1996, which includes four years as Chief.

In her roles as Chief and Band Councillor, she moved the Stony Point/Camp Ipperwash file forward through negotiations, agreement, and settlement, while promoting healing among the membership.

In her over 30 years of commitment to her community, she has enthusiastically worked toward the improvement of community infrastructure, sound and transparent financial management, the development of children and family services, promotion of language and culture and sound governance that meets the needs of the citizens of her community. In all of this, she always makes sure that the people of Kettle & Stony Point are included in decision-making processes.

She is considered an excellent role model and throughout all of her accomplishments, remains humble, patient, empathetic, open to learning, and grounded in family teachings and customs.

The Late Martin Restoule-baa – Dokis First Nation

The Late Martin Restoule-baa was dedicated and committed to the success and cultural revitalization of his home; Dokis First Nation. He served as Chief of the community in the mid 1980s with a vision of financial independence for the community. He championed utilizing the sustainable water resources of the French River to generate clean hydropower. This was the beginning of the Okikendawt Hydro Project, which ultimately won the 2014 Pollution Probe Sustainability Award. It has resulted in the Okikendawt Hydro Trust.

He was instrumental in the revival of the Dokis pow wow in 2001, which is continually growing to this day. This has culminated in the pow wow grounds being named in his honour in 2022 and is now known as the Martin Restoule Memorial Traditional Grounds.

Knowing the value of culture and tradition, he was also responsible for the creation of the community Eagle Staff and shared teachings about how to care for it.

He was a talented self-taught musician and enjoyed playing music whenever the chance arose. In fact, he was inducted into the Aboriginal Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also a gifted wood carver and painter. Many of his pieces can be found in homes throughout the area in addition to the Joe Dokis Cultural Centre & Museum, another initiative that he helped bring to life.

He was a respected Elder in the community and abroad, carrying traditional knowledge, business experience, leadership skills, and authentic kindness that he generously shared with others.

Talon Chin-McGregor – Whitefish River First Nation

Whitefish River First Nation is known for honouring the people of their land who have served their community with strong cultural awareness, ethics, and pride. Talon is a great example of this.

A graduate of the nursing program at Cambrian College, his career choice was to become a community helper. After gaining knowledge as a long-term care nurse, he is now fulfilling his role as his community’s Health Nurse. He is paving the way for young Anishinaabe men who are considering a career in nursing in addition to being a role model for those who have an interest in giving back to their community.

He has recently added to his role within his community as he was elected as a band councillor. In this role, he is committed to expanding his knowledge and his service to his community.

Recently, Talon was deemed a hero as he was dining in a local restaurant when a two-year-old boy was choking to the point of unconsciousness and without hesitation, Talon stepped in and administered life-saving efforts, helping the child to regain consciousness. A true act of selfless courage in a time of crisis. 

Frank Ozawagosh – Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

Frank Ozawagosh carries much of his community’s history and can always be found helping out at any ceremonies and teachings, often conducting workshops and sharing his traditional knowledge. Outside of the community, he has served as an Elder with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University since 2005.

He exemplifies the Seven Grandfather Teachings, always doing what needs to be done in the community because it’s the right thing to do. In his spare time under his own initiative, he takes care of one of the community’s older graveyards, respecting those who have passed to the Spirit World.

He is very generous with his time and knowledge, always helping in any way he can. He lives and walks mino bimaadiziwin.

The Late Lorraine (Girlie) Commanda-baa – Nipissing First Nation

The Late Lorraine Commanda-baa was affectionately known to her family, friends, and community as ‘Girlie’. An inspiration to others, at the age of 53, she made the decision to go back to school to get her high school diploma. Following this, she went on to Lakehead University and graduated from their Indigenous Language Instructors Program. She spent the next 13 years teaching Anishinaabemowin to elementary school students.

Within her community, she was a dedicated member of the Nipissing First Nation Nishnaabemowin Translation Committee to help preserve the language, assist with translations for the Administration, as well as help young language teachers.

She attended and volunteered within her community at almost every gathering, providing fresh fish and scone as well as many laughs. She was an avid sports fan and could always be seen cheering on any team from Nipissing First Nation in any sporting events. She was a lifelong fan of her beloved Toronto Blue Jays.

Luke George Sr. – Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation

Coming from a long line of police officers, Luke George Sr. retired from policing at the end of 2011 after over 32 years of service. Beginning his career as a First Nation police officer in Walpole Island in 1979, he eventually began working with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 1988. Over the years, he was known in his community as a constable that was kind, approachable, friendly, compassionate, and a jokester. Many community members still remember the days when he would pull up alongside their road hockey game and grab a stick and join in their game of hockey, in uniform.

During his time with the OPP, he continued to work with our First Nations through media relations, and was often called upon for his guidance when there were Indigenous persons involved in a call. He also worked directly with Victim Services, teaching their new recruits to work with our First Nation people with sensitivity and respect.

One of his biggest challenges was during the Ipperwash Crisis. Being a first cousin to Dudley George, a member of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and an OPP officer, you can bet this was a very difficult time; however, he continued to persevere.

He was gifted a drum, intended for relationship building after the Ipperwash Crisis and he has proudly travelled far and wide drumming at pow wows, graduation ceremonies, and other events. He is counted on as the family’s traditional leader, quick to share teachings, stories, songs, and ceremonies while keeping the Anishinabek ways alive.

The Late Joseph Endanawas-baa – Sheshegwaning First Nation

From serving in the US Army to being Chief of his community, the Late Joseph Endanawas-baa accomplished so much during his lifetime and touched so many lives along the way. He was known as an Indigenous advocate and well respected Elder, keeping his culture at the forefront in the work that he did throughout his lifetime. A strong advocate for language preservation, he received accolades for his role as a Knowledge Keeper of traditional teachings.

The importance of education for Anishinaabe children was a guiding force throughout his life, leading him to many roles in the area, supporting the movement for Indigenous rights and education.

His presence was felt at the countless meetings and functions he participated in over the years, always helping to continue the work for the betterment of our First Nations.

His distinguished service has been an inspiration to many; he was a true Anishinaabe warrior.

We would like to say Chi-Miigwech to The Late Joseph Endanawas-baa of Sheshegwaning First Nation for his unwavered dedication to his community and the Anishinabek Nation as a whole.