Fall 2016/Winter 2017 │Sioux Lookout Community Museum │807-737-1994 ext. 9902 Museum & Culture

Newsletter Contents The Sioux Lookout Community Museum and Culture department have Featured Story 2 been busy during the fall and winter months. From planning and Featured Artifact(s) 3 implementing events and programs, to continuing to work away at our Museum News 4 collection database, and organizing the storage space; we are never Past Events 5 -9 short of things to do. Upcoming Museum & Cultural Events 10 The Department has seen an increase in visitors and participation in activities and events. More projects and partnerships have been created over the past few months and continued enthusiasm from staff, volunteers and the community helps us move forward with our plans. Our Department also oversees and assists with the Arts, Culture & Heritage committee as well as more recently the Mayors Committee on Truth and Reconciliation. This addition to our department helps create more partnership opportunities as well as expand our programming and events for the community. “What a well presented collection of fascinating things, especially loved the 1900 Washing machine that saves women’s lives” James from Perth, Australia “Interesting” Jim from Scotland, UK

“First time back since 1948” Carol and Bill from Kamloops, BC

“Really well presented- excellent “Great job on the displays and historical highlights” Heather and Gr. 7&8 students from Sioux Lookout preserving history, Loved it! John and Kamla Krill from London, ON 2

and 18 in 1932). Since then, this scrappy, highly Featured Story: regarded game fish has spread throughout our lakes with bass being caught as far away as Red Businesses and Tourism Industry Pine Bay and English River Falls. Mike assisted in the endeavor by deeds that live long after him, and in Sioux Lookout then anyone having the thrill of a fighting small mouth bass on the end of his line has surely caught The Father of the local tourist industry in the Sioux a bit of Mike Ament’s irrepressible spirit. Lookout-Hudson area was without a doubt, Mike In the 1930’s several other camps were Ament. Mike’s first camp, called Kenneally Lodge was established. Probably the greatest growth in located on the West side of Little Vermillion Lake. tourist accommodations took place in the 1940’s. Guests arrived in Hudson via C.N., were taken by horse and wagon into Big Vermillion. The camp, established Many advances have been made in the past 50 in 1928 was internationally known, with many famous years. It’s hard to recall the one room log or frame entertainers of that era, as well as literary figures cabin, with a wood cook stove or air tight heater, welcomed as guests. Each guide was provided with an ice box ,gas lamps, other discomforts referred to as Elliot boat, a 1.5 H.P. Each had his own little cubby hole “roughing it” . In the late 1940’s and early 50’s to store their gear and were expected to clean their housekeeping cabins rented for $4.00 per day for boats each day after use, and for this they were paid 4 people, American Plan with three meals was $3.00 per day. $7.00 per day per person, boats rented for $3.00 a day and a 10 H.P. motor for $5.00. Guides’ wages by then were up to $7.00 a day.

The tourist business like many other businesses has seen many changes. Camps have changed hands but several in this area are operated by the second generation. The average camp , if there is such a thing , has 6 to 10 modern cabins, is family owned and operated ,and in many ways has the same problems that faced the earlier owners: tight money, short seasons, big investments for equipment, and shortage of qualified people to guide. The ice going out in the spring, rainy, windy days on end, can assume monumental proportions. To paraphrase an old bush pilots’ creed “long periods of inactivity suddenly interrupted by frenzied labor”. This then is the Mike Ament tourist industry in Sioux Lookout.

Who can forget Mike’s favorite line, “I don’t care what they call me as long as they mention my name”; or his sign on the door of his minnow business on Pelican Lake, purchased after he sold his camps, “ we sell only female minnows, the ones with a wiggle.” or his half beard grown to celebrate the town’s 60th birthday.

Perhaps his most lasting contribution to the local tourist industry was his introduction into Little Vermillion Lake of small mouth bass in 1931 and 1932, Moosehorn Lodge- 1950 thus giving the tourist industry another game fish in our Story and photos taken from Tracks Beside the Water, waters. He told this writer that he released 32 parent Sioux Lookout and District Historical Society; Inter- bass from his dock (14 in 1931 Collegiate Press; 1982, page 170-171. Information taken from the 1952 edition of the Sioux Lookout Post.

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Featured Artifact Mr. Fasano died in 1942, and Mrs. Fasano in 1949.The business, Fasano’s Confectionary, was in THOMAS FASANO FAMILY & in operation from 1930 to 1982. Fasano’s Confectionary 1930-1982 Thomas Fasano was a sawmill sawyer who worked in Minaki and Kenora for many years, marrying and bringing up his family in Kenora. Later he moved them to Winnipeg where Mrs. Fasano kept a boarding-house for school teachers.

Advertising Sign

A handmade wooden sign for Fasano’s Grocery and Confectionary. This sign has been painted white, has raised black letter and a red painted border. It was hung either from a wire on top, or In 1929 he came to Sioux Lookout to work as a from two hinges on one side. sawyer for the late George E. Farlinger. Wishing to bring his wife and daughters here, he bought some property from the late Frank Cosco, where his family home was established.

In 1930 he took over a soda fountain and confectionary store from Elmer Olson, who had gone into the jewelry business. The store was located in the Florence Building, which was occupied on the adjoining side by a bakery owned Date: Unknown and operated by Edwin Florence. Object ID: 1983.26.2 Donated by: Betty Fasano Many years later the entire building was bought by Mrs. R.C McIver, and as her business expanded, Story and photos taken from Tracks Beside the Water, she needed extra space. So it came about that Sioux Lookout and District Historical Society; Inter- Fasano’s Confectionery was built onto the family Collegiate Press;1982, page 425. Information taken from home, where it is still being operated by the the 1952 edition of the Sioux Lookout Post. youngest daughter, Mrs. Betty Morrison.

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Museum News

For the fall and winter our goal has been to continue to encourage community members to stop into the Museum. We did this through a variety of programming and events as well as through making some minor changes to the Museum. The museum has also been a big part of promoting and partnering with the Mayor’s Committee on Truth and Reconciliation and the Arts, Culture & Heritage committee initiatives.

The Oral History Interviews that were conducted in 2014 have been digitized, edited and converted to an IPad for visitors to sit back and listen to. More interviews have been conducted by Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee member Jennifer Hancharuk and have been edited and added to the collection. Some of these interviews were also edited further so they can be used in the Bush Plane Exhibit this summer.

The museum staff are working away at planning a major overhaul with inventory and database organization, the purpose of this project is to ensure everything is accounted for and included in the museum’s collections database program. This will allow for better use and management of the collection.

This year to tie in with the Mayor’s proclamation that 2017 is a Year of Truth and Reconciliation for Sioux Lookout. The museum has promoted educational events surrounding the topic of the Residential School system. Some events include hosting viewing(s) of the Secret Path with special guest Pearl Wenjack, documentary showings to classrooms and putting together a small exhibit on the Pelican Lake Residential School.

We are never short of things to do and look forward to continuing to protect, preserve and promote our local history and culture with the community and our visitors.

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5 Past Museum & Cultural Events Sept 30th- Oct 2nd– Culture Days To celebrate Arts and Culture the Sioux Lookout Community Museum partnered with various musicians, the Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Lookout Public Library to provide free participatory and interactive activities to respond to the growing recognition that a vibrant arts and cultural sector contributes directly to a healthy and stable society. Over the weekend, we hosted a Famers Market, Open Mic event, Music Festival and Free crafts for kids.

Oct 2nd, 23rd, Nov 6th, 20th & Dec 4th, January 28th, Feb 11th, 18th and March 4th – Craft Days at the Museum To encourage creativity and the arts in kids, the museum hosted several crafts days. The craft days were well received with a variety of kids and ages in attendance. Museum staff were on hand to help facilitate the crafts and a $2.00 craft fee was collected to help cover the costs of the supplies.

We also partnered with a local Henna Tattoo artist who attended two sessions providing henna tattoos for a small fee. The artist later donated her profits back to the museum.

Oct 6th & Nov 17th, Jan 29th, March 5th – Paint a Piece Night for Kids & Youth The Museum & Culture division hosted two evenings for kids to stretch their creative minds. The instructor guided the kids through a specific painting. Everyone who attended were able to take their masterpieces home and hopefully found some new confidence for creating more artwork.

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Oct 20th & Dec 1st, Feb 15th, March 30th – Sip, Dip and Paint Night The Museum hosted additional Sip, Dip and Paint Nights in the fall and winter. The purpose was to offer a fun creative evening out for individuals and support a local artist at the same time. The instructor guided the participants through a specific painting while they sipped away at their wine and enjoyed flexing their creative minds. In the New Year we hosted our first ever coupled painting, where couples could choose to create two paintings separately but also tied together, which was meant to coincide with the Valentine’s Day theme.

Oct 22nd – Lake of the Woods Beer Tasting Fundraiser A sold out event with 150 people in attendance. The evening was hosted by the Sioux Lookout Community Museum and Gillons Insurance and located at the Royal Canadian Legion. Participants were provided with 3 samples of beer and delicious appetizers, prepared by the Pelican Lake Sandwich Company. It was another successful museum fundraiser bringing Kenora’s finest beers to the community while providing a meaningful social event for community members.

Oct 28th – Haunted Museum & Feature Film The museum was once again transformed into a haunted museum for an evening of screams and excitement. The Community Museum partnered with the First Step Women’s Shelter to provide snacks for purchase during the haunting and feature film viewing of Monster House. The event was well received with over 300 people in attendance.

7 Nov 25th – Moonlight Madness The Sioux Lookout Community Museum partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to host Moonlight Madness. The Museum was open and offered free hot chocolate and crafts, while outside the lighting of the tree ceremony took place along with having a variety of vendors selling various items on the main floor of the Heritage Railway Station.

Dec 4th- Crafts & Photos with Santa The Museum partnered with Rexall Pharmacy to host free crafts and photos with Santa. Families were welcome to stop by and engage in some Christmas themed crafts and hop on Santa’s knee for a quick photo-op. Henna tattoos were also provided. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all.

January 19th, 2017 – Pearl Wenjack and the Secret Path Viewing & Discussion Panel The Museum partnered with Equay-wuk Women’s Group and Queen Elizabeth High School to host two viewings (daytime & evening) of the Secret Path film, followed by a discussion panel consisting of special guest Pearl Wenjack, Mayor Lawrance, Garnet Angeconeb (survivor), Larry Henry (Treaty 3 rep/health support), Chief Clifford Bull (survivor). Pearl Wenjack also attended Pelican Falls High school to discuss the residential school system and participate in another viewing of the Secret Path film. The evening viewing was well attended with over 100 people in attendance. The “We were taught differently” exhibit from Lake of the Woods museum was also on display and a cake was shared to celebrate Chanie Wenjack’s birthday.

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January 29th- Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee- Artist and Craftspeople Open House The Arts Culture and Heritage Committee in partnership with the museum hosted its first public meeting to connect with various individuals within our community with special cultural or artistic skills. The purpose was to develop an ongoing conversation about how we can all work together to share our skills with each other. The committee learned from the attendees that there are so many people within our community with skills and abilities that could be shared and the committee wants to help create those partnerships, by offering workshops and developing an online portal of artists, craftspeople and individuals with cultural skills so they can get the exposure they want.

February (variety of dates) – African Caribbean Black Heritage Month The Museum in partnership with The Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee, Equay-wuk Women’s Group, the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee (SLARC) and the Sioux Lookout Public Library offered a variety of film viewings and discussions surrounding the topic of African Caribbean Black Heritage month. Daytime viewings were held at the Library and evenings viewings were held at the Museum. A Proclamation was also released on Feb 1st, declaring February African Caribbean Black Heritage month.

February 23rd – Truth and Reconciliation Committee Open House The Mayors Committee on Truth and Reconciliation (members include: Marie Lands, CAO Ann Mitchell, Mayor Lawrance, Chief Bull, Cllr. Joyce Timpson, Darlene Angeconeb, Garnet Angeconeb, Kelly Anderson, Angela Carter) held their first public meeting to discuss the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the municipalities’ response to them. The attendees were broken into sub-categories (Business, Historical, Social and Political) and discussed in smaller groups what needs to be done locally and later returned to have an overall discussion. Attendees were invited to assist the committee by getting involved in the sub- committees and discussing these topics further throughout the year.

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February 26th-March 26th– Vibe Arts Mural Project The Museum partnered with Vibe Arts from Toronto to connect with the local kids and youth in Sioux Lookout to participate in a Canada 150 themed mural, which will be on advertising display boards in Toronto’s Subway for the summer months. The mural will then return to Sioux Lookout to be put on display in its permanent location. The project had over 10 kids sign up and contribute, connecting our small town with the big city.

March (variety of dates) – Racism Awareness Month The museum partnered with SLARC to promote Racism Awareness Month, where a variety of activities and events were held throughout the month. The museum hosted an Art Against Racism Showcase & Competition to encourage adults, kids and youth to use any medium (poetry, music, art, film) possible to illustrate racism awareness.

10 Upcoming Museum & Cultural Events March-May- Conversational Italian Classes. The Museum has partnered with Manuela Michelizzi to provide conversational Italian Classes. The program consists of 10 one hour sessions. Located at the Heritage Railway Station.

April 1st – Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshop. Offering an afternoon of Ukrainian Egg decorating facilitated by our Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee member Jennifer Hancharuk. 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Heritage Railway Station.

April 1st - Dibajimejig – Telling our Stories. Hosted by the Museum and Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee. Join us for an evening of storytelling from area elders. The evening begins with a premier of The Grandfather Drum, with an introduction from the story consultant and translator, Fred Suggashie. Admission: $10.00 or PWYC (funds collected will be given to the presenters). 7:00pm-9:00pm

April 8th, 22nd, May 13th – Craft Days. Offering an afternoon of crafting for kids for ages 4-12+. Located at the Heritage Railway Station. Bring the kids for an afternoon of creativity, imagination and fun filled crafts. $2.00 fee applies.

April 9th, 23rd, May 7th, 14th, 28th & June 4th – Art Mural Project. A Canada 150 Initiative, funded by the Community Foundations of Canada and Sioux Lookout Museum. Offering mural workshops for kids and youth to create a Canada 150 themed mural to be displayed throughout Sioux Lookout. The completed project will be on display on National Aboriginal Day, June 21st. Workshops facilitated by Chelsey Greig from 10am-2pm. For Ages 8+. Limited spaces available. Sign up at the Recreation Centre, 53 Front street.

May 18th – International Museum Day at the Heritage Railway Station. Stop by to view the mini exhibit on the Pelican Lake Residential School, museum displays and enjoy a BBQ lunch on us to celebrate International Museum Day. Book your class or group tour TODAY!!

June 1st- August 9th – By the Seat of your Pants Exhibit Stop by the Museum to view an exhibit on our regional bush pilots. It's a travelling exhibit from the Lake of the Woods Museum. This exhibit provides a history of bush flying in our area. Exhibit Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday Noon-4pm, or book a private tour.

June 22nd – Canada 150 Colour Run. In partnership with the Recreation & Culture Department. Join us in a 5km Colour Run celebrating Canada 150. Register at the Recreation Centre, 53 Front Street. Fees apply.

June 25th – Canada 150 National Canoe Day Stop by Cedar Bay Recreation Complex between 11:00am- 1:00pm for a day of activities, crafts, Fundraising BBQ, canoe skills and view the short film “The Canoe” by Goh Iromoto. In partnership with Friends of Cedar Bay, First Step Women’s Shelter and the Recreation & Culture Department.

June 29th – Canada 150 Kick off Parade. In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Recreation & Culture Department. Register your float at the Chamber of Commerce. Line up begins at 5:30pm, Parade starts at 6:00pm.

August 4th – 13th – Blueberry Festival Events. Digs for Kids August 11th, Arts and Craft Sale August 11th & 12th. Museum extended hours and Travelling Exhibit on display. More to come…..

Please note: the above information is subject to change without notice. Other events like Art Showcases, workshops, mini exhibits may be scheduled after this has been distributed. Please keep an eye out for events and program postings at the Heritage Railway Station, Recreation Centre, Fresh Market Foods, or on the municipal website/Facebook page or Sioux Lookout Community News Facebook page. 11

Contact Us

Meredith Culham Museum and Culture Supervisor P.O Box 1377 • 53 Front Street Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B9 [email protected] 807-737-1994 ext. 9902

Or

Gerson Agustin Recreation & Culture Manager P.O Box 1377 • 85 King Street Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B9 [email protected] 807-737-1994 ex. 3301

Visit us online www.siouxlookoutmuseum.ca