Cultural teachings of renewal inspire at Spring Feast 4-6-16

Joseph V. Sowmick - April 08, 2016

In an effort to provide bonus coverage, Team Observer was on location April 6 at the Elijah Elk Conference Center as cultural teachings of renewal and inspiration were offered at the 2016 Seventh Generation Spring Feast.  Seventh Generation Cultural Representative Ben Hinmon served as the emcee for the event and introduced Batchewana First Nation of Ojibwe, Amik “Beaver” Nidizhnikaaz Achichak “Crane” Dodem speaker Joe Syrette.

 

Seventh Generation Program Administrative Assistant II LeeAnn Ruffino informs she enjoyed seeing all the families and the 65 guests who came to the 2016 Seventh Generation Spring Feast.

“The seasonal cultural feasts are a true team effort between the Seventh Generation Staff and the community.  We would like to say miigwetch to Bert Hunt, his daughter Amanda, and her son Jaden (three generations) for helping with food preparation,” Ruffino said.  “A big miigwetch goes out to Joe Syrette for the beautiful teachings and his brothers Aaron Chivis, Anthony Genia and Dan Jackson for the beautiful hand drum honor song.  Miigwetch also to Anishinaabe Outreach Specialist Isabelle Osawamick for her Anishnaabemowin blessings and teaching of the Spirit Plate.”

 

Ruffino also offered a big “Chi Miigwetch” to all of the community that came out to share in the spring teachings, sacred fire and delicious feast foods of buffalo, frybread, wild rice and berries.  The Seventh Generation staffers also gave a shout out to those who brought their own eating utensils, a dish to pass and a gift for the giveaway table.

 

 

A full story on the 2016 Seventh Generation Spring Feast will be featured on the May issue back page photo spread of your Tribal Observer.