Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly 2012 Social and Cultural Program Monday, July 16- July 19, 2012 - Toronto Ontario Welcome to the Traditional Territory of the Mississauga’s of New Credit First Nation • Chief Bryan LaForme The AFN AGA 2012 Social and Cultural Program team Executive Producer • Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald Host Committee Members • Stan Beardy, Ontario Regional Chief • Chief Bryan LaForme, Mississauga’s of the New Credit First Nation • Travis Boissoneau, Nishnawbe Aski Nation • Sherry Antone, Chiefs of Ontario, • Denise Wiese, Tourism Toronto • Domenic Natale, TD Bank Group • Jennifer Cowling, TD Bank Group • Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, Executive Producer, Tap Resources, Six Nations of the Grand River A special acknowledgement toAngus Toulouse, the immediate past Ontario Regional Chief, for his guidance, direction, and support for the development of this program. 3 Memorial Sub Committee • Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, Anishinabek Nation • Chief Brian LaForme, Mississauga’s of New Credit First Nation • Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, Executive Producer, Tap Resources • Domenic Natale, TD Bank Group • Grand Chief Percy Joe, President, First Nations Veterans of Canada, Shackan Indian Band • Luc Obomsawin, First Nations Veterans of Canada • Chief Tom Bressettee, First Nations Veterans of Canada • Larry Whiteduck, Assembly of First Nations • Laurie Miller, Ontario Public Service Employee Union • George Henry, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation • Chester Langille, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centre A special thanks to the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centre for taking the lead and coordinating the Eagle Staff Procession. Media Coordination • Andre Morriseau, Chiefs of Ontario • Chris Allicock, Amberlight Productions Cultural and Historical Advisory • Alan Corbiere, Anishinaabe Historian, M’Chigeeng First Nation • Rick Hill, Haudenosaunee Historian, Six Nations of the Grand River Fundraising Committee • Domenic Natale, TD Bank Group • Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, Executive Producer, Tap Resources • Immediate Past Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse • Chief Bryan LaForme, Mississauga’s of the New Credit First Nation 4 Tap Resources Production Team • Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, Executive Producer • Lynn Hubley, Sponsorship Coordinator • Santana MacDonald, Project Assistant • David Moses, The Dam Studio • Jace Martin, Associate Producer & Video Coordinator • Lorne Evans, War of 1812 support • Shy-Anne Horvoka, Co-Songwriter and creative team 5 Host Committee Logo The Host Committee logo is a depiction to signify Ontario First Nations role in the War of 1812. On the left we have a Mohawk warrior with the Haldimand tract, or Claus belt, representing the Iroquois of the Six Nations Confederacy. On the right we have an Ottawa warrior with the Niagara Covenant Chain Belt, representing the Anishinabe of the Three Fires Confederacy. Both represent the various First Nations that allied with the British before and during the War of 1812. In the middle is a medallion with a small maple leaf incised at the top, the text reads “WAR of 1812”. The Slogan reads, “HONOURING OUR TRADITIONS” The dark purple base colour was chosen specifically to mirror the colour of the wampum belts. It is the vision and creation of Adrian Nadjiwon. Artist bio : Adrian Nadjiwon Adrian Nadjiwon has been drawing for as long as he can remember, as an artist from the Chippewas of Nawash Reserve on the Bruce Peninsula; an area carved out from the limestone bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment and surrounded by the blue water of Georgian Bay - Adrian’s talent appears to be a product of his environment. With training and experience in the fine arts, classical animation, graphic design and most recently, web design, Adrian has now mastered a wide variety of creative media. Adrian is not only a student of the visual arts, but of his own native heritage. His curiosity was piqued at a young age by images painted in the Woodland style; A form of painting developed by Cree and Anishinaabe artists such as Norval Morrisseau, Ahmoo Angecomb, and Roy Thomas. Inspired by their images, Adrian began a journey to understand the roots of this art, and his native ancestry. A journey that continues to this day. 6 Contents Message from the Ontario Regional Chief .......................................................................................................pg 8 Welcome message from the Executive Producer .........................................................................................pg 9 First Nations War of 1812 Procession and Commemorative Service ................................................pg 10 Norval Morrisseau Art Exhibit .....................................................................................................pages 16 and 25 Welcome Concert ........................................................................................................................................................pg 17 VIP Aboriginal Fusion Cuisine ............................................................................................................................pg 24 National Chief Dinner and Gala Theatrical Presentation ......................................................................pg 28 www.cn.ca dossier : CNC-12155 client : CN date/modif. description : Annonce Sept Working to build solid relationships titre : « ANNONCE GENERIQUE » 1 with First Nations publication : Aboriginal Sponsorship 14/9/11 format : 3,75” x 2” infographe : CM rédaction relecture D.A. épreuve à 100% sc/client infographe production couleur(s) 4c CNC_12155_AboSpons.indd 1 12-05-30 11:45 7 Message from the Ontario Regional Chief Elders, Chiefs & Delegates, As the newly elected Regional Chief of the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), I would like to take this time to welcome all Peoples of Turtle Island to the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the New Credit and the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly. These are challenging times for our people from coast to coast to coast. We have common problems, challenges and concerns that we have to face, but we also have common opportunities that call for us to work together. The Annual General Assembly calls out to the 633 nations that have an extraordinary diversity of tradition, language and culture that is unique to our people and offers a rich tapestry of who we are and have always been. As our peoples meet to elect a new National Chief we need to emphasize the importance of our inherent and Treaty rights and to mobilize effectively to press both levels of government to finally honour the spirit and intent of the Treaties. We must stand behind our youth who represent the front line demographic of our changing times and all the challenges that lie ahead. The Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly is everyone’s opportunity to work together to build a bolder response to the inequality and indifference that the status quo continues to call consultation. Please enjoy the many social and cultural activities planned by the AFN Host Committee consisting of TAP Resources, TD Bank, Tourism Toronto and the Chiefs of Ontario. The focus of these events will surely provide you with a unique opportunity to witness the performance of a variety of Indigenous artists with the culmination of the ceremonies honouring the vital role that our peoples played in the War of 1812. These will tell the story of our fallen heroes who fought and died to build the foundation for what eventually became Canada. The sacrifices we made in the past will only truly be recognized when we — as First Nations — are finally treated as full and equal partners. Chi Miigwetch Regional Chief Stan Beardy 8 Welcome from the Executive Producer Dear Chiefs & Conference Delegates, Welcome to Toronto, the Host Committee looks forward to hosting you during the assembly this week. In addition to the election of the National Chief, this year marks the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812. It is an excellent opportunity for us to welcome our First Nations leaders from across Canada to Toronto, the traditional territory of the Mississauga’s of New Credit First Nation. We wish the best to all the National Chief Candidates. This commemorative year, is an opportunity to acknowledge and honour our ancestors. It is a time in history where First Nations joined in a War to protect their homes, languages, land and culture. Not unlike the goal of the Chiefs in Assembly – a vision to protect the generations ahead of us while honouring those that have gone before us. The Host Committee has worked hard to create a balanced program that showcases the talent from across Ontario First Nations and ensuring our youth are a significant part of the program. The War of 1812 was a time when families stood on opposite sides of the battlefield but shared a common vision – protect our families and lands. What separated families was their conviction on the best approach to reach that accomplishment. History shows over 10,000 First Nations fell during the War of 1812, compared to the 5,000 American and British soldiers, a significant contribution when you understand the balances. The average person may be unaware of the true and significant impact First nations played at this time. The Host Committee has taken this opportunity to bring light to the various contributions and significant role First Nations played during this timeframe. The program is designed to celebrate our culture, our heritage, and our contributions within Canada. We start the program