Thank you message
Firstly, I want to thank my fellow youth: Rae, Meegwyn, Bella, Avery, Syracuse, Neepin, Ocean, McKenzie, Arthur, and Ryley. You’re all incredibly courageous and resilient. Getting to witness your determination out there, especially during those final cold and windy days, is what motivated me to push forward alongside you all. I’m glad we got to experience the first Neemamo Mishkanan program together, and I can’t wait to see where you all go in your lives.
A photo of Neemamo Mishkanan 2024 travellers.
Secondly, I want to thank our facilitators from Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCS): Claire and Allison. As well as our facilitators from Moose Cree First Nation Resource Protection: Jennifer and Kelsie. Your dedication to see this project become a reality are proof of your passion to see our youth, communities, and futures not only survive, but thrive. Just as important, ensuring that we are not only aware of the relationship between us and companies such as OPG, but educating us on the history and impact the dams have on our land and water. Thank you for allowing us to step out of our comfort zone, and for encouraging land stewardship amongst us.
Thirdly, I want to thank our guides from MHO: Noams, Ri, and Kyra. Your professionalism and expertise ensured that we went through this journey safely while at the same time allowing us to have fun along the way. You’re true leaders and it was an honour to paddle alongside you all.
Noami (Noams), Rianna (Ri), and Kyra (left to right) preparing a meal for the Neemamo Mishkanan travellers.
Lastly, I want to say a special thank you to Sean, our trip photographer, for your courage in joining our sweat ceremony and capturing moments that will live forever throughout our journey. As well as Laurie, our Knowledge Keeper, for sharing your songs, wisdom, and of course, showing us the cool fossils that you found. I wish I could also thank everyone else individually, such as Erin from MHO, Connie from WSC, John Paul from Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, our Elders, and the many others who supported Neemamo Mishkanan. But, that list would go on forever and like all rivers, this message must end as well.
Meegwetch and Wachay, thank you and until we meet again.
Keifer H
