Maadookii Seniors
Program Supervisor
Christine Keeshig
Carol Solomon
Clerical/Driver
Edith Johnston
Bookkeeper
Marina Fox
Janitorial
Manson King
Handyman
RR 5 Wiarton ON N0H 2T0
Phone: 519-534-4918
Fax: 519-534-1973
maadookii@bmts.com
The elders are bridges to the old way
They are the custodians of the culture, for it is by the language and the stories that a people's culture and history are known. Some of the stories of the elders of Neyaashiinigamiing are told in two books about them published by the Band.
Here are stories of great hardship: residential school brutality, sacrifice and pain from the wars, hostility to their ancient claims and rights, poverty and the grinding effects of the Indian Act.
And yet, shining through the hardship is their sense of dignity, humour and determination that must be at the heart of the reason we have survived as a people. Not only survived, but thrived, for that spirit can be seen in the young as well. It can be seen in the advances the Band is making ... in how it is turning court-recognized commercial fishing rights into a viable economy and Nawash into a leader in fisheries management ... in how we are re-asserting our ancient responsibilities to all our relations by intervening when environmental harm threatens our traditional territories.
Elders are intricately involved with these initiatives. They have appeared in court to give testimony to our traditional ways. They are involved in running a successful alternative justice program that uses traditional ways to reintegrate into the community people who have committed offences. They are teaching Anishnabemowin (the Ojibway language) in the local schools and in the community. A 2004 Statistics Canada report indicates that Native children who spend time with elders are more likely to do better in school.
Maadookii means "sharing" in our language. It is the name of the seniors' group at Neyaashiinigamiing and also the building in which they meet.
Ladies Orchestra 1914
Standing, left to right:
Catherine Jones, Grace Lavalley, Lizzy Hilditch, Mary Akiwenzie, Amelia Jones.
Seated, left to right:
Ruby Hilditch, Delma Lamourex, Lizzy Desjardine, Virgina Keeshig (1914)
Maadookii Centre
Seniors are a growing segment of our population. We estimate that by the year 2010 our on-reserve elder population will more than double. Many more who might be living off reserve will want to return home.
The Maadookii Seniors Centre was started in 1990 with a $350 donation from elder Verna Johnston. That same year the Maadookii Seniors Group drew up their constitution that set out their purpose and objectives:
- To allow the Seniors of Cape Croker an opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities in a safe environment that provides encouragement and fellowship.
- To serve the community,
- To unite and speak with one voice for the betterment of all Seniors.
- To raise funds for the Centre and for programs for elders.
Maadookii Seniors Executive 2004
Left to right: Ron Andrews, Stella Johnston, Christine Keeshig (ED), Isabel Millette, Marie Morgan, Beth Stadelbauer.
Programming at Maadookii
The first building was built by volunteers from the community. Since then, the Maadookii Centre has become a favourite meeting spot for other programs and activities. It is frequently used to host meetings and dinners with visiting groups from outside the reserve. Wakes are held here and are well attended by family, friends and the community. It is truly a sharing place, reflective of the elders themselves.
The Maadookii Centre is home to a number of services and activities for seniors.
- Home visits
- Snow removal and light repairs
- Native crafts
- Games (cards, bingo, scrabble) & entertainment
- Socials and other gatherings
- Day trips (the Centre has its own wheel-chair accessible bus)
- Ojibway language classes
- Support to travel to language conferences
- Interaction with other people and programs on reserve.
Ross Johnston entertains at the Maadookii Centre.
New Seniors Housing
After years of planning, construction started on a large, residential addition to Maadookii in 2002, and the first occupant, elder Winona Arriga, took up residence in the spring of 2004. The new building is attached to Maadookii and will provide a wider range of services for our elders, including health care and nursing.
On two floors, the building has:
- 6 one bedroom apartments, each 748 sq ft, including kitchen, dining/living area, bathroom, bedroom and storage area
- 4 two bedroom apartments, each 893 sq ft, including kitchen, dining/living area, bathroom, two bedrooms and storage area
- 3 bachelor apartments, each 300 sq ft of living and sleeping areas
lounge, exercize room and program space - radiant heating (hot water piped under the floors)
- energy saving fluorescent lighting.
The building is accessible to those in wheel chairs. Future plans include nursing units.
Sod Turning for the new Seniors Building, June 7 2001 2000
Left to right: Marie Morgan, Stella Johnston, Ernie Nadjiwon, Isabel Millette, Ross Johnston
Help us with our work
Maadookii Seniors are in the process of obtaining their charitable status. Please contact us to find out how you can contribute to our work.
Maadookii Seniors Buildings
The Maadookii Seniors' Centre (at the left end) is joined to the new housing (from centre-right).