Jays on Walpole, National Aboriginal Day, Police Torch Run

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Jays on Walpole Island

To celebrate National Aboriginal Day, representatives from Jays Care Foundation will join Chief Dan Miskokomon and the children and youth of Walpole Island First Nation for the grand opening of newly refurbished baseball diamonds, made possible by Jays Care’s Field of Dreams program.

Following the opening, Jays Care staff will host a baseball clinic for local youth baseball players.

The festivities will be a part of the overall ‘Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration.’

The activities will take place at the baseball diamonds on Austin Road from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Jays Care Foundation will be bringing some special guests, hosting a baseball clinic and games for kids, and will be providing us with all of the hot dogs. They will also be giving us some neat Blue Jays swag for all of the kids that take part in the baseball activities,” Walpole Island officials stated.

“As another exciting addition, Sportsnet that will be on site filming some of the celebration, so it will be a great opportunity to showcase our community. Some of the footage will be broadcast at the Jays away game that evening and will also be broadcast at their home game on June 27.”

The event will feature LIVE music, from Sweet Pea & the Elderberry, Jammers, The Isaac Brothers, Spencer Brigham, Don and Ron Barnier and Walpole Island’s own drum group, Snye Creek.

There will also be free hot dogs, drinks, snacks, inflatables, horse shoes.

Vendors are welcome and there are no fees, they just need to bring their own tables.

Donors from the Jays Care Foundation, Union Gas, South Kent Wind, and the Walpole Island Casino Rama fund and many community volunteers will also be on hand.

Walpole Island is co-hosting the event with 98.3 CFRZ community radio, the Walpole Island Heritage Centre, the WDSS Future Elders and Enodmaagejig Social Services.

The day will conclude with fireworks up highbanks at 10 p.m.

Lambton Kent District School Board celebrates National Aboriginal Day

The local public school board is celebrating National Aboriginal Day today, in recognition of the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of Indigenous peoples within schools and communities across Canada.

The LKDSB believes student success is achieved through the shared responsibility of students, staff, families, community and First Nation partners. For example, in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action as they relate to education, the LKDSB will be expanding the Grade 11 English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices course across the LKDSB in the 2017-2018 school year.

As well, the LKDSB continues to build capacity amongst its teachers and staff through participation in ongoing professional development events related to indigenous education. The school board also supports opportunities for students to engage, educate, and build understanding.

“The LKDSB is committed to supporting our students in learning about Indigenous histories and perspectives. We believe in fostering a safe and caring learning environment that is strengthened by embracing diversity, and respecting self, others and the world around us,” stated Director Jim Costello.

“We look forward to strengthening the relationships we have with our Indigenous partners at Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Delaware Nation, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, and Bkejwanong First Nation,” said Chair Jane Bryce.

“We also acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of all First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, families and teachers on this day of celebration.”

If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.

Photos of the day

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run is a community based, province-wide event that sees the “Flame of Hope” carried across Ontario by members of law enforcement agencies.

The objective is to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Ontario.

Torch Runs are coordinated at the community level and culminate at the Provincial FINAL LEG in which Law Enforcement Officers run the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Ontario Games.

All funds raised through Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run events are directed into program support that directly affects all community Special Olympic Ontario (SOO) programs.

Funds are then put into community programs and help pay for various expenses including: games travel, accommodations, meals, staff support to the field, grants to new community programs, volunteer and athlete training, administration and information/promotional materials and development initiatives like the ‘School Program’ which opens up opportunities to new athletes.

The development of Special Olympics Ontario is directly related to the success of the Torch Run.

This past Saturday (June 17th) the Chatham-Kent Police Service held their Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics at Kingston Park in Chatham and a total of $2,490 was raised.

Police officials wanted to thank Constable Jason Herder for organizing such a successful fun run, to the volunteers who are always a tremendous help and to ALL the participants.

Here are some photos from the day, submitted by the Chatham-Kent Police Service: