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‘Pretendians‘ are people who identify as Indigenous, Metis and Inuit without recognized lineage or adoption into those communities, and Nickel Belt MP Marc Serre appears to be wearing the derogatory moniker with shameless pride. Blogger Rejean Venne, of the West Nip Voice, gave the long-time Liberal politician both barrels of buckshot today after Serre refused to back fully away from his Indigenous claims after being removed from the Algonquins of Ontario.

Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod-Shabogesic posted a message to Serre on X (formerly Twitter) about the matter and Venne put the quote at the top of the report: “I tried to tell you that simply having an indigenous ancestor somewhere down your family lineage does not make you Métis, nor does it make you indigenous, but you wouldn’t listen.”  See the CBC story HERE.

(Click on the Echo Essentials logo in the email newsletter for the updated website version, past editions and subscription form.)

 

Top Shelf

• Anishinabek Nation leaders have a lot on their plate
• Local historian puts spotlight on ‘North Bay Old Boy’

Today’s Tickle
by Allan Hirsh

 

Echo Essentials

Anishinabek leaders
dealing with many
issues, podcast host
shares basis of rift

Today’s episode of the Echo Essentials Podcast offers a deep dive into Indigenous issues with hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale interviewing several leaders about a variety of topics

The topic was covered because the Anishinabek Nation held the 8th Annual Lands and Resources Forum: Kina-Gego-Naabadosin — Everything is Connected, in North Bay recently and Clark Communications has been facilitating the event for almost a decade. Dave, a former editor for the Anishinabek News 1993-2000, interviewed Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe and Northern Superior Region Deputy Grand Council Chief Melvin Hardy. Scott, meanwhile, sat down with Jason Laronde, the Director of Land and Resources, to discuss specific issues in more detail.

The conversations revolve around what exactly the forum is meant to achieve and the issues the Anishinabek leaders are trying to resolve with the provincial and federal governments.

In the introductory banter, Scott asks Dave to explain his sometimes salty relationship with former Anishinabek News director Maurice Switzer.

Museum benefits
from historian’s book,
many events planned
through 2024

Naomi Hehn, the curator of the North Bay Museum, joins the 2NBWL show to talk about plans for 2024, including the ‘Retro Game Week’ for March Break, as well as how they choose traveling exhibits like the RCAF’s 100th coming in the fall.

The episode also helped promote today’s launch of Nestor Prisco’s new book about North Bay’s first Crown Attorney, Arthur George Browning, who first came to Widdifield in 1888 and resigned in 1911 to pursue career-expanding opportunities.

Browning was a “young pioneer lawyer who emerged as a leading figure in the life of an incipient northern settlement and strategic junction on the trans-Canada railway network. His skills derived from his ability to form relationships and spearhead campaigns aimed at community betterment. After nearly 25 years guiding the fortunes of North Bay, Ontario, he ventured to Western Canada as Deputy Attorney General of Alberta.”

 

Today’s Zen Suggestion: Don’t travel without a down-filled coat, umbrella and flip flops in your trunk, because North Bay is now officially known as a four-season tourist destination … unfortunately it’s soggy spring in the morning, balmy summer at noon, crispy fall at sundown and a frigid -20 C overnight.

 

Sponsor

Thanks to our sponsor Services. Visit yourhomeservices.ca and mention “Echo Podcast” to get your first 3 months of your water heater rental free  *some restrictions may apply*

Echo Network

To North Bay With Love:

Is crime increasing in North Bay? Is Crime Stoppers really anonymous? Kim Jones and Mary Houghton join the 2NBWL show to talk about Crime Stoppers. They report increased participation, dispel some common myths and explain the anonymity of the program, noting it really does give residents a chance to report what they know without dealing with police.

Cogeco:

Catch the North Bay Battalion game against the visiting Sarnia Sting on Thursday at 7 p.m. Rotary At Home TV Bingo is on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Lions At Home TV Bingo on Sunday’s at 7 p.m.

Backroads Bill:

Dr. Jonathan Pitt, a professor at Nipissing University teaching Indigenous studies, joins Bill on location from the Home and Garden Expo that took place this past weekend.

They talk about pictographs, spirituality and the tricksters/little people. Dr. Pitt shares the stories that are passed down from family to family and shares an important message of the history that shaped this land long ago.

Cheap Seats:

The 35th episode of the Cheap Seats podcast:

0:06:56 – The Book Of Unusual Knowledge

0:10:31 – Video Games Almost Destroyed My Marriage

0:15:57 – Imaginary Friends & Other News

0:20:23 – Found Footage Horror

0:25:24 – Sequels and Spin Offs

0:29:56 – CHEAP REVIEWS “Sonic The Hedgehog 2”

0:40:42 – SPOILERS

0:52:02 – The Game “Best Videogame Movies”

Cheap Seats an eclectic conversation between best friends, Drew and Nick, who love talking about movies and whatever else comes to mind.

 

Events Echo

 

Thursday, Feb. 29

• Super Fun Time Trivia at Moose’s Cookhouse at 7:30 p.m.
• North Bay Battalion host the Sarnia Sting at 7 p.m.
• Trojan Theatre: The Company proudly presents, “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the West Ferris Secondary School theatre 7 p.m. $15 at door
• Mayor Peter Chirico spoke at the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce’s breakfast fundraiser in the morning. See the story at MyNorthBayNow.ca

Friday, March 1

• Trojan Theatre: The Company proudly presents, “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the West Ferris Secondary School theatre 7 p.m. $15 at door
• Beat of the Queen presents: Medussah, Spillover and Holzr at the Raven and Republic at 8:30 p.m. $10

Saturday, March 2

• North Bay’s first-ever FIBA3X3 endorsed basketball tournament hosted at the Canadore College Gym (Saturday and Sunday). Fan admission is free, but a donation to the North Bay Food Bank is encouraged.
• North Bay Farmers’ Market at 222 McIntyre St. (Kennedy Building) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Songs by Lynn Blunt
• Paramedics and Pancakes ‘Get a free wellness check’ sponsored by Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli at the Davedi Club from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• In the Spirit of Play 14-artist group exhibition at the Callander Bay Heritage Museum and Alex Dufresne Gallery opening reception 2 to 4 p.m.
• North Bay Public Library presents Children’s Story Time, featuring Nipissing University students from the ‘Picture Book in Performance’ course reading to children four to eight years old. There are two sessions, Tuesdays from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. (Parents or Guardians must accompany children and registration required, see the website details HERE.)
• Spidey – Make Believe – Magic of Your Mind at the Capitol Centre 7:30 p.m. $40 for members, $45 for non-members

Sunday, March 3

• Cheapskates Snow Wars XXX at Laurentian Ski/Snowboard Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• North Bay Battalion host the Niagara IceDogs at Memorial Gardens with 2 p.m. puck drop
• Capitol Cinema presents: American Fiction at 7 p.m.

 

(For more events further out on the calendar, check Tourism North Bay’s comprehensive events listing guide. On Facebook, check out Creative Industries North Bay or check out their December newsletter HERE.)

 

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If you have something to add to the discussion or an idea for one of Echo’s podcasters or affiliates, email Content Director Dave Dale at [email protected].