On September 21, I had the opportunity to attend the Justice Day Forum hosted by Temagami First Nation located on beautiful Bear Island. The event featured a wide variety of speakers, including the Head Crown Attorney and Assistant Crown Attorney from Haileybury, Ontario. Also in attendance were representatives and police officers from the Ontario Provincial Police, Temiskaming Victim Services, Health and Safety Canada, Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU)-MMIWG, Nishnabe Aski Police Service-Victim Services Unit, and Conservation Officer Darren McKenzie.
The event was organized by the Justice and Victim Services Program. Program coordinator, Virginia McKenzie along with the Justice Services Assistant, Nancy Shipman, hosted the event and provided valuable information on team building and community outreach.
The presenters also included former police office, Doug McKenzie. Doug shared his experiences of being the first police officer on Bear Island. His stories included the challenges and successes of being a police officer in a small community. He also highlighted the positive changes that have occurred throughout his career and continue today. He went from being the lone officer on the island to now having a staff of three police officers with the potential of hiring another officer in the near future.
The event showcased the successful career paths of many members of Temagami First Nation. The Honourable Justice Catherine Mathias, who presides in the North Bay district, and her sister, Her Worship Holly Charyna, who is a sitting Justice of the Peace in Sudbury, are just two of the community members who are an inspiration to the community.
Not only was the day filled with knowledge and laughter, but the community provided a pickerel lunch for all participants. If you haven’t had the opportunity to taste the pickerel from Lake Temagami, I can assure you it is the best I have ever tasted.
The weather was beautiful, and the lake was calm and the ride over from the landing to the island was truly breathtaking. I was honoured to be included in the guest list. The teachings that I took with me are ones that I will remember for always. I was inspired by the small community and the impact it has made in the Justice field. They are trailblazers for developing connections to outside community organizations and other Justice initiatives.
Miigwech,
Kathy Priolo
North Bay Gladue Caseworker