On Monday, November 10, 2025, community members gathered for the Mkwenmaanaanig Giizhgad, a Remembrance Day Ceremony hosted by Bkejwanong Children’s Centre. The event began at 10 a.m. and lasted approximately one hour, drawing participants from across the region to honor American and Canadian veterans.
The ceremony commenced with a walk from Bkejwanong Children’s Centre to the Veteran’s Monument, a symbolic journey that reflected the themes of remembrance, respect, and honor. The event’s bilingual presentation, featuring both English and Anishinaabemowin, underscored the cultural richness and inclusivity of the occasion. The guiding message—Mnaden’nim, Gchi-piitenim, Ge Mikwenim—reminded attendees to honour, respect, and remember.
Participants included students and educators from Anishinaabe Kinomaagewgamig, Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig, Bkejwanong Biiweziimag Kinomaagewgamig, and the WDSS Future Elders group. Their presence added depth and intergenerational meaning to the ceremony, reinforcing the importance of passing down stories of service and sacrifice.
Symbolic imagery such as poppies, soldier silhouettes, and the flags of Canada and the United States framed the event, while word clouds referencing World War I and World War II battles served as visual reminders of the historical weight carried by the day.
Following the ceremony, we caught up with Edwin C. Taylor (Kaangaadese), Cultural Enrichment Instructor at Bkejwanong Children’s Centre, who shared reflections on the day’s significance and the legacy of Oliver Arptagiizhik, a U.S. Civil War veteran from Walpole Island.
Taylor spoke about the medals and military history connected to Arptagiizhik, highlighting the enduring contributions of Indigenous veterans and the importance of remembering their stories within the broader narrative of North American military service.
