First Nation’s Signage Welcomes Visitors With Important Reminder
Pic Mober First Nation Band Council Members John Kwissiwa (left) and Louis Kwissiwa (right) with the new sign. Submitted photo
PIC MOBERT FIRST NATION, ON – Signage (photo above) has been purchased by Pic Mobert First nation to be installed at the Pic Mobert Pow Wow grounds.
“A Band Council resolution has been implemented at the request of community members and members of council to secure and protect our sacred lands” explained Louis Kwissiwa, Council Member PMFN , adding “It’s all about respect for our traditional lands.”
Kwissiwa, who blogs regularly on Facebook, was disappointed in September to find garbage left at the Pow Wow grounds. He had posted photos of the litter with a message reminding those who would use the land to recognize its importance.
“We have beautiful and sacred Pow Wow grounds here in Netomisakimik First Nation and it’s our duty as Anishinaabe of the land to respect and keep our traditional lands clean. One of the 7 sacred Grandfather Teachings passed down to the Anishinaabe from Gichi Manitou (Creator) was the teaching of respect. One of the ways that we, as Anishinaabe people, can utilize this teaching is by respecting the land which has been gifted to us by Creator” explained Kwissiwa.
His post continued with a respectful acknowledgement of those who sacrificed to protect the land, explaining also that Anishinaabe people ‘are the land’. Kwissiwa ends the blog with a reminder to all who enjoy the land “Let us respect the land and honour our ancestors by living that good way of life by keeping our land clean.”
