#nipissing

[vintagecamping]

Canoe trip on Lake Temagami

Ontario

1991

[oldbutnotyetwise]

My Friend Mary

     When we bought our old property up north you could tell just by looking at it that there would be a lot of history there.  A house that was around 100 years old, a barn that was around seventy years old, and bits of old farm equipment abandoned in what was once field but was now forest.  The old Barton Farm had a lot of history and sometimes as I wandered about the property or sat in the house or barn I thought of all of those who had come before us and lived, and died in this very special place.

     Shortly after moving in I was at the Township Office where I met Charles Barton who was related to the Bartons who had homesteaded our place.  I mentioned to him that I was curious about the history of our new home.  Charles mentioned my interest to his Aunt Mary, and that is how I ended up meeting Mary.

     Robin and I were getting ready to go out one day and upon opening our front door we were met by Mary and Lew Holotuk.  Mary was 91 and Lew was 96 at the time.  Mary had been born a Barton, and had written out a page and a half about the history of our property.  What follows is a bit of a story that I have pieced together about my dear friend Mary.  It comes from conversations I have had with her as well as stories about Mary I have picked up along the way.

     Mary tells me that she was born in our house on October 27, 1928, that she made her entrance into the world while the doctor was just pulling into her driveway.  As was often the case in those days she had several brothers and sisters, together they helped their parents look after their farm.  She was ten when she tasted her first beer, taken from where the spring water came out, and where the beer was stored to stay cold.  Before video games kids actually played outside, Mary and her brothers would walk along the peak of the metal roof on the family barn and do lots of other things that would make todays safety experts loose their minds.  

     Mary wanted to continue her schooling but in those days a higher education was something few farm kids got to pursue, and certainly even fewer females.  

     Now this might surprise the younger folk, but there was a time before cell phones, the internet and dating apps.  When the dating pool was rather small compared to what it is today.  You were likely to date and marry someone within a twenty mile radius of where you lived, someone you probably went to school with, and someone whose family was known to yours.  Mary tells me of how she came home from a date and found Lew waiting for her.  Lew had come for a visit and was none too pleased to find out she was out on a date with someone else.  Lew had his eyes set on Mary, 5 1/2 years his junior and stubbornly made it clear that he was the one she should be with.  Sure enough in time Lew convinced Mary of this and they got married when she was 19 in 1948.

     Lew was a mechanic by trade and was in the army serving overseas during WW2.   After the war they opened up Holotuk Service Center in Huntsville which they ran for twenty-eight years.  Lew did the vehicle repairs and drove the tow trucks.  Mary looked after the front of the shop, but she also would drive the tow truck picking vehicles up in Toronto or wherever they were.  They had the towing contract with the OPP so were friendly with the local officers.  It wouldn’t be unusual to find the officers visiting and playing cards with Mary in the shop.

     Over the years Lew and Mary had three children, Ron, Patsy and Ted.  Mary knew exactly when Ted was conceived, she said that Lew had snuck up on her while they were at the hunt camp, then she would laugh with a mischievous smile on her face.  Eventually Lew developed some heart problems and the Service Center was sold and they moved back to Hotham in 1982.  They bought Mary’s sisters out of her parents home after the parents passed away.  At one point in 1986 the hospital didn’t want to release Lew they felt he needed more care than she could provide.  That is when the hospital learned it wasn’t good to rile Mary up, and after the dust settled Mary brought Lew home where she looked after him.  Lew left this world on April 13, 2021 in his 98th year, Lew and Mary had been married almost 73 years by then.

     All the time I’ve known Mary she has been the one doing the driving, even when Lew was still alive.  Mary was pretty well known as a bit of a speed demon.  If the two of us were leaving the legion at the same time I used to wait until she left to avoid slowing her down on her way home.  Now over the last few years Mary has slowed down a lot and no longer drives at night, but just recently she had her licence renewed for another year.

     Now if I was to try to describe Mary, to help you form a picture  your mind I would describe her like this.  I would guess that she would be about five foot four, white curly hair, glasses if not on her face hanging down on her chest with the string running behind her neck, I would say she probably looks about twenty years younger than she is, and she has a lovely smile when she’s not trying to outplay you at Cribbage or Euchre.  She’s a determined lady who knows what she knows, and although I don’t know how far she went in school, she is wise from a life well lived.  Not too much that she hasn’t seen in her days.

     Now some of the Legend that circles around Mary, she is a Cribbage and Euchre Shark, and she is very competitive.  Now having said that she showed me tremendous patience while I was learning the game of Cribbage.  I suspect that Mary has recruited more new members for the Restoule Legion than anyone else.  When she brought me an application for the legion, well I didn’t get the impression it was optional.  I had quickly sensed that Mary was someone that I definitely wanted on my side.  Now there is some talk about some young guy once accusing Mary of cheating at Cards,  well lets just say that there was an altercation after that.  Mary never said too much about that, and I didn’t ask, but she did make mention of talking to a judge once and I suspected those two things might have been connected.  Refer back to the earlier comment about wanting Mary on your side.  Now there also is the stories about Lew running over Mary in the driveway once, and another time where Mary ran over Lew.  Yes after hearing those stories I would have been a little nervous to stand in their driveway when one of them was behind the wheel in their old silver Saturn SUV.  Mary kept her Hunting Licence well into her nineties, not sure when the last time she used it was, but I always considered her armed and dangerous.

     Over the time she lived down the road from me I would drop off the occasional Jigsaw Puzzle for Mary, always the 1,000 piece ones that she and friends would work on.  I would call around sometimes in the afternoon so Mary and I could share cup of tea and get a few Crib games in.  I enjoyed the crib games, although I suspected she went easy on me, but more than that I enjoyed her company and hearing her stories of times gone by.  Mary is a living history book of what had gone on in the Hotham area, and she knows just about everyone, and everyone knows her.  Although she can be as tough as nails, there is also a softer kinder side of her that I don’t think everyone gets to see.

     Sadly an era may be coming to an end.  Mary turns 95 shortly and she is coming to the conclusion that perhaps its time for her to move to move from her home to a seniors residence.  As I type this up she has temporarily moved out of her home into the Trout Creek Senior’s Residence, to try it out for a month.  She likes that they will do her laundry and meals, and I think she is looking forward to having company around her.  Even with all her visitors I think Mary found the days long and she was getting lonely.   When she spoke to me about it she said that if she decides to stay there she will miss her independence.  

     It seemed to me that Mary was the Matriarch of the area, and although I am no longer there I am saddened by the thought of this Matriarch moving away.  She was a large part of the whole experience of us living where we did, she was also one of the many reasons why we loved living there.  Although Mary may not live there anymore her presence will still be felt there for many, many years to come.  She will live on in the stories shared by neighbours around the legion tables on the Friday night pizza nights.  The legend of Mary lives on, and I am fortunate that I get to call her a trusted and well loved friend.

[niaaca]

Join us for a community gathering at the N’Swakamok Friendship Centre on April 25th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This event is open to Indigenous people who want to connect, create, and learn more about NIAA.

Come spend time with others in a welcoming space where you can take part in beading and various crafts. Bring a project you’re working on or use our beading kits. Whether you want to create, ask questions, or simply enjoy the company of others, this is an opportunity to be in community and learn more about the work NIAA is doing to support Indigenous artists in Northern Ontario.

N’Swakamok Friendship Centre located at 110 Elm St, Greater Sudbury, ON P3C 1T6.

10 minute walk (650 metres) from Sudbury’s GOVA Transit Downtown Hub.

Support the NIAA Gathering

The Northern Indigenous Artist Alliance (NIAA) is hosting a community gathering at the N’Swakamok Friendship Centre on April 25th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This event will bring Indigenous people together for an afternoon of connection, creativity, and learning. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in beading and other crafts in a welcoming space, with no cost to attend.

We are looking for sponsors to help provide snacks, refreshments, or supplies to support this gathering. If you or your organization are able to contribute, your support will help create a meaningful and accessible experience for all who attend.

If you're interested in sponsoring or learning more, please reach out via email: NorthernIndigenousArt [ AT ] gmail [ DOT ] com You can also support the NIAA by donating to our gofundme campaign: https://gofund.me/d758a1cf

Thank you for helping us strengthen community connections and support Indigenous artists in Northern Ontario.

[everydaylillie]

Cottage Memories

It’s just about Victoria Day long weekend – and we are beyond excited – anxiously waiting for cottage season. This year our northern Ontario lake melted early – but the water level has been too high to access our dock and boathouse. We are still waiting impatiently for the lake levels to recede, so that we can head to our summer cottage. We are very lucky to have a cottage to enjoy and can’t wait…

[aestum]

(by Lianhao Qu)

[ithappensblog]

more than an orange shirt

Over the past few years, I've embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, one that has taken me deep into the roots of my ancestry. My motivation for this exploration stemmed from the absence of a relationship with my father's family, which left a void in my understanding of my roots. Little did I know that this quest would uncover pieces of Aboriginal heritage I never knew existed within me.

When I met Jason, I was aware that he was Métis and had been raised with the rich traditions and culture that came with it. I wholeheartedly embraced his background and over the years have immersed myself in Powwows and educational opportunities that shed light on the Indigenous peoples of our country. Yet, it was only when I delved into my own ancestry that I truly comprehended the depth of this connection.

Discovering my Aboriginal heritage resonated deep within me, tugging at my heartstrings in a way I hadn't expected. This newfound knowledge wasn't just about adding another layer to my identity; it was about acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of my roots.

As parents, Jason and I have made it a priority to pass down pieces of our different heritages to our daughter. She eagerly absorbs the stories and traditions of our respective backgrounds, fostering a sense of pride and belonging that will hopefully stay with her throughout her life. Some of our forebears were forced to conceal their true identities out of fear, a painful reality that we cannot ignore. We will honour them by standing tall and proud of who we are and who we come from.

Today, on Truth and Reconciliation Day, our reflections go beyond our personal journeys. We must remember what the people before us endured. We must realize the continued suffering of Indigenous peoples in Canada due to over a century of mistreatment.

This day serves as a stark reminder of the importance of educating yourself and your children about the land you call home, the history it holds, and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities.

This day is more than just sporting an orange shirt.

As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the pieces of my heritage that I've uncovered. I am proud to stand alongside my partner and daughter, committed to learning, respecting, and preserving the traditions and cultures of all our ancestors. I am committed to advocating for the fair treatment of the Indigenous peoples and recognize the damage residential schools caused. It's been a long journey of self-discovery, empathy, and unity.

I hope this post serves as a reminder to acknowledge the past and work toward a better future for all. Because, unfortunately, it's 2023 and some of the very people who this land belongs to, don't even have the luxury of clean drinking water. Some families are still suffering from intergenerational trauma because of the disgusting harm Indigenous children faced for over 100 years. Let that sink in.

[piningpercussionist]

Happy holidays, or whatever, for those that celebrate.

I took the bus up north to see my parents the other night, but I'll be back in Toronto tonight if I can help it. Keep an eye on my idiot friends in the meantime, yeah?

[batmanego]

i do desperately need everyone on this website especially people who arent american but want to rag on america to familiarize themselves with the basic romanized spelling conventions of native american languages because every day i come on here and i see people making fun of massachusetts or connecticut or mississippi or passamaquoddy or mashpee or nipissing and its like PLEASE. PLEASE THEY ARENT ENGLISH WORDS. PLEAAAAASEEEEEUUUHHH. USE YOUR MINDS TO IDENTIFY WHEN A WORD LOOKS LIKE IT MAY NOT BE ENGLISH. I DONT CARE IF YOU MAKE FUN OF AMERICA JUST PLEASE STOP BEING RACIST WHILE YOU DO IT

[wayupabroad]

Explore academic excellence at Nipissing University, Canada, with the assistance of top overseas education consultants. Their expertise ensures a smooth application process, personalized guidance, and a seamless transition for international students. Unlock a vibrant learning experience in a diverse and supportive environment at Nipissing University.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"LOW-GRADE MILL AT NIPISSING MINE PREY TO FLAMES," Toronto Globe. August 15, 1933. Page 2. --- Cobalt Firefighters Aid in Combating Blaze ---- BREEZE FANS FLAMES --- (Special Despatch to The Globe.) Cobalt, Aug. 14. - At a few minutes after 6 o'clock tonight fire broke out from some at present unknown cause, and completely destroyed the low-grade mill at the Nipissing Mine, located a short distance beyond the Cobalt municipal boundaries. The mill had not been running for the past fifteen months, and was the biggest low-grade establishment in this immediate area.

The flames were first observed issuing from the machine-shop roof, and they quickly spread through the plant, including storehouse and blacksmith shop. Fortunately, there were no workers in those sections of the big plant, which, being oil-soaked, were soon a roaring inferno, fanned with a stiff breeze which was blowing from the west.

The plant, being beyond the Cobalt limits, had its own fire-protection system, but this was found to be out of commission from a short-circuit or some other cause. In an effort to limit the blaze to a specific group of the buildings, the town fire equipment was brought out; but, being more than 1,000 feet from the nearest Cobalt hydrant, only one stream was possible with the equipment available.

The big mill was erected in 1910-11 at a cost of, it is said, $500,000, and is conceded to be a total loss at a late hour tonight, with the flames burning themselves out. It is not known whether or not the plant is covered with insurance, Manager Hugh Park being at present in Michigan.

Tonight was the fourth Important fire in this area during the past ten years, which included that of the O'Brien mill in May, 1924; and the destruction of the McKinley property, which, also, had been closed some few years before the fire of 1927.

[siaimmigrationsolutionsinc]

Exploring Study Programs and Provinces in Canada for Quick Permanent Residency: Simplify Your Selection with Sia Immigration

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By exploring these links and the information provided by Sia Immigration, prospective students can gain a better understanding of the study programs and regions in Canada that offer favorable pathways to permanent residency. This knowledge can simplify the decision-making process and help students make informed choices that align with their long-term goals.

[maureen2musings]

Lake Nipissing, North Bay, Canada

Lianhao Qu

[aworldofpattern]

Christian Allaire at the Met Gala 2024, wearing custom outfit by Jamie Okuma.

Allaire, a fashion writer at US Vogue, is Ojibwe, and a member of the Nipissing First Nation, Ontario. Okuma is a Luiseno, Shoshone-Bannock, Wailaki, and Okinawan who is also an enrolled member of the La Jolla band of Indians in Southern California where she lives and works.

Allaire: 'I knew I wanted to wear an Indigenous designer to the Met this year. When I heard this year’s theme—“Sleeping Beauties”—and dress code—“The Garden of Time”—I was instantly struck by a few concepts: That our Indigenous designs & craftwork have persisted FOREVER, and that many of our traditional garments have always beautifully reflected the natural world that surrounds us.

On the blazer, @j.okuma used a hand-reverse appliqué method to illustrate two of my favorite flowers from back home: Lupines and Indian Paintbrushes. Turns out, these flowers are also popular in Jamie’s region down on the West Coast. (We both agreed they are very “rezzy flowers.” 😉) For the pants, Jamie also put a contemporary twist on a traditional breechcloth, instead adding a built-in panel to formal tailoring. I absolutely adore how she mixed the old with the new.

To finish off the look, Jamie also surprised me with a special Bandolier-style bag that made me super emotional when I unboxed it. She found an ANTIQUE piece of Ojibwe floral beadwork (likely turn of the century) to represent my specific heritage, and then helped restore it into a cross-body style—adding modern touches like crystal straps and ribbon embellishments.

Many archival photos show Ojibwe men wearing similar Bandolier bags throughout history, and when I carried it last night, I couldn’t help but feel like I was carrying a piece of my ancestors with me. And holllah - we made it to the MET.'

[lee-romee]

AllField --- Mother/daughter-in-law duo, Métis

BeadboxCrafts --- Jen Covington, who learned to bead from an Alaskan native artist

BezhikBeadwork --- Pammy G, Nipissing First Nation

DybbuksCorner --- Artist of Potawatomi, Tonawanda Seneca, & Nakota Sioux descent

Floresbotiqueab --- Made by indigenous people from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, & Peru

KagigeDesigns --- Lee-Ann, of Anishinaabe descent

mayanexpressions --- Mayan artisans from Chiapas, Mexico

Midnightsundesign --- Suzanne Flumerfelt, not a native artist, but one who has First Nation relatives and lives on Kluane First Nation land, teaching beadwork to Kluane First Nation children

Ozhitoon --- Anishinaabe artist, member of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma