Report on
ABORIGINAL YOUTH GATHERING
August 11, 12, 13, 14, 2005
at St. Raphael’s Spiritual Centre,Sagamok, Ontario, near Massey, OntarioWe praise and thank our Lord and Creator Jesus Christ for the generosity of the United Church Fund, the Sagamok Band Office and our Anonymous Donors for providing the finances necessary for us to hold a Christian Aboriginal Youth Gathering for the youth in Sagamok, Massey, Ontario and the surrounding areas.
This event was hosted by the Kateri Native Ministry and St. Raphael’s Church Committee. The committee consisted of the parish priest, Fr. John Duggan S.J.; Joyce Toulouse, the co-coordinator; Elder Mary Assinewe; Mary Wemigwans; Elizabeth and Frank Eshkakogan; Karen Toulouse (daughter of Joyce) and her husband Jim from Toronto; Cindy, daughter of Joyce Toulouse; Gordon; Patrick; Kathleen Dewar from Toronto; Agnes Toth; Lawrence Hookimawillillene; as well as Virginia and John Corston of the Kateri Native Ministry of Ottawa.
THURSDAY
Registration was done by 4 P.M. followed by a delicious gourmet Barbeque cooked by our grand chef Fr. John himself. It was enjoyed by all.
In the hall the Sacred Candle was lit and John Corston said the opening prayers. Following this was a brief social where introductions and reunions took place.
We then proceeded outdoors where everyone pitched in and built a great bonfire. The youth picked and carved willow sticks so everyone would enjoy a good wiener roast with all the trimmings. For dessert we had roasted marshmallows and smores. With the musical accompaniment of our drums & guitars, we all joined in a great sing-a-long around the fire while the boys played baseball catch.
At 10:30pm we went to our rooms; followed by lights out at 11p.m.
FRIDAY
The sleepy –eyed group was up for morning group prayer, followed by a big banquet breakfast cooked our famous Chef COCO!!
Unfortunately it was a very rainy day and all of our scheduled outdoor activities to do Horseback Riding, swimming, canoeing, etc. had to be postponed for another day.
Elder Margaret Toulouse arrived and gave a teaching on “The Seven Grandfathers’ Teachings, followed by Elder Pauline Toulouse with “Christian Teachings”
Virginia Corston led the youth in Arts & Crafts. The theme was to express their ‘Dream’ in their banner making. It held their interest completely, they worked hard and took pride in their work and many banners showed real artistic talent.
After lunch, Elizabeth Eshkakoygan taught the young people to make native crafts, with sweetgrass, etc.
Dinner time came and COCO provided a delicious dinner of chili and blueberry bannock.
Mary Wemigwans, the drama teacher led the youth in the play of, “THE LIFE OF BLESSED KATERI TEKAKWITHA”.
It was really, really good. In fact they received a standing ovation!
After dinner, we enjoyed an evening of Karaoke, song and dance. Kathleen guided them in baking cookies, muffins, etc. They did bead making, looked at pictures and hip hopped, all the way until they flopped in bed with lights out at 11pm.
SATURDAY
Thank the Lord we woke up to a day filled with sunshine! Did we ever need it!
We gathered for Group Prayer followed by CoCo’s energizing breakfast with all the food anyone could want!
Fr. John led us all to J&D Trail Rides where the Horseback Riding excursion was being held for the youth. They each picked their own horse and rode them along the trail for I hour. They returned very excited, happy and sore but filled with awesome stories of their great adventure!
After returning for lunch, we all convoyed out to the fort arriving about 2pm. Elder Mary Assinewe, an artist, taught the art of painting to the youth. For a few hours they were consumed with creating an idea and expressing it on canvas. Many of us helped them and several of their paintings showed a lot of talent and potential. The youth were proud of their work. Just as their banners were mounted in the hall for display so also they wanted their art to be displayed so all could admire them. They were displayed in the church for Sunday so everyone could see them.
Later they all went swimming in the lake and returned to the church hall for a chili dinner.
That evening we played games; scrabble, Karaoke, did bead work, all kinds of things. Since we were so late returning, they couldn’t watch movies but we had a bonfire, roasted everything roastable, sang and fell into bed at 11:30pm.
SUNDAY
After morning group prayer and breakfast, we participated in Sunday Mass followed by a Baptism that took place. The church was filled to capacity , the Kateri Native Ministry of Ottawa led the music, the native youth did the readings, etc. and the entire congregation sang. It was very joyful celebration!
Following Mass a beautiful feast was held with the world’s renowned “COCO’. This time she outdid herself with her fantastic rendition of “Indian Tacos”!!! WOW!!!
