Weather intervenes in gathering

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The residents of Bear Island, Temagami First Nation and the nearby town of Temagami launched the Temagami Community Foundation on Bear Island on July 28.

The Temagami Community Foundation has been in the works since February of 1999.

"The sole purpose of the Foundation is to receive and distribute contributions for the benefit of the community and whose accumulated funds will be managed by members of that community. Within the structure described by the Foundation, there will be opportunities through the distribution of grants for any number of charitable activities," stated Vicky McKenzie Grant, chairwoman of the board of directors and founding board president.

"We will be looking at proposals aimed at arts and culture, sustainable development, environmental initiatives, social, educational, agricultural, historical, or even some not-yet-recognized concern. The foundation believes that co-operation, respect and community accountability can provide perpetual stewardship for the land."

Special guest and key note speaker was to have been Lt.-Gov. James K. Bartleman. Unfortunately, severe weather in the region caused Bartleman to cancel his appearance.

He did however fax his speech, in which he stated:

"This initiative is rooted in a sense of neighbourliness and concern for the region as a whole. The Temagami Community Foundation will be well placed to provide broadly based and effective leadership."

A gift had been made for Bartleman, a canoe paddle with an inscription, bead work by Betty Ann Paul and an Eagle feather. It will be presented to him later.

Administered by a voluntary board of 12 directors, the foundation is a public charitable organization established for the long-term benefit of the Temagami community. Having received Canadian charitable registration status, members are seeking equivalent American status.

The board is comprised of Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal, Canadian and American citizens: currently five members of Bear Island, three residents of Temagami, two Americans and two tourists with long time ties to the Temagami area.

As Bear Island is only accessible by water, more than 100 people braved Lake Temagami, crossing in high winds and periods of severe rain to attend the celebration.

Representatives of the Community Foundations of Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Temagami Public School, David Ramsay, MPP for Temiskaming District, Temagami First Nation Chief Alex Paul, Municipality of Temagami Mayor Wayne Adair, and Teme Augama Anishinabai Chief Doug McKenzie all spoke.

Bear Island Elder Barry McKenzie with tears in his voice publicly thanked the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing the grant funding needed to purchase the Elder's new pontoon boat.

"For years the Elders identified the need for a boat that would be easier for them to get in and out of. Many of our Elders have mobility problems, this pontoon boat will meet their needs to allow them get in and out of the boat safely and with dignity," stated McKenzie.