THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED AS A RESULT OF THE COVID19 PANDEMIC
On Wednesday, June 10th, 2020, the Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’twin Foundation will be holding a traditional gathering for 300 Toronto business leaders and philanthropists.
This will be the Foundation’s inaugural fundraising event, and our goal is to raise $150,000 for three important youth mental health programs.
For Sponsorship Opportunities CLICK HERE
About the Event
Since 2016, the KCA Rookie League, a partnership between KCA, Jays Care Foundation and Right To Play, has been rekindling hope through sport. 300 children and youth aged 8-19 now play baseball on eight teams. A special points system means that community involvement – Chiefs, Elders and family members coming to games, bringing food, cheering on players — counts as much as winning a game. In 2019, the Assembly of First Nations passed a resolution formally endorsing the national expansion of the program, which Chief Lorraine Cobiness of Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation describes as “by far the most effective mental health program we’ve ever offered to our youth.” Jays Care Foundation has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Rookie League over the last four years, and their formal evaluations prove it works: 85% of participants surveyed felt more confident and 89% felt safe and supported. The kids on this video say it best: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBo2TsAPDT0&feature=youtu.be.
Reclaiming cultural identity depends on understanding a language that has been silenced for decades. Through the Speaking Our Way Program, Indigenous youth will learn Ojibwe, enabling them to immerse themselves in the teachings and traditions that show them their place in a proud history and guide their lives.
Indigenous youth moving from Grade 12 to college struggle with leaving home and mixing with a bigger, more diverse group of peers. Often the first in their families to attend post-secondary education, their lack of experience can make them feel isolated, putting them at risk of seeking companionship from drug dealers or gangs. The Maawanji’iwe Exchange will ease the transition by introducing them to kids from many other cultures at a summer camp where they can learn about each other, become allies, and develop the social and emotional skills that build resilience.
Reception : A celebration of the Strawberry Moon. Shaped like hearts, strawberries are known to the Anishinaabe as heart-berries, or odei’min. They represent balance, reconciliation, forgiveness and caring for others.
Opening : Water and Smudging Ceremonies
Stories from the Elders : Nibi (Water), Shawanoong Banaise’seek (Drum) and Giveaway Teachings
Community Feast : Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette of Nish Dish
Kenora Chiefs Advisory Presentation
Silent Auction : The best of Anishinaabe arts and culture – from moccasins, blankets and carvings to Indigenous tourism experiences.
Live Auction : Bidding for a few hours of youth mental health services.
Entertainment : Drummers, singers and dancers from KCA Communities
Closing : Elder’s Blessing and Travelling Song
