Wikwemikong Nursing Home on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory in Northern Ontario holds this chair. This is a place where Indigenous and non-Indigenous elders are honoured and cared for with kindness and respect.
Wiikemkoong e`gitizijik endaaaat maanpii Wiikwemkoong Kwiinwining Giiwedinong Ontario bemiikang maanda e`gitizijik enji naadendijigaazwat, shpenjigaazwat miinwaa naagidewenjigaazoowat
The Wikiwemikong Nursing Home chair speaks to the Truth and Reconciliation call for Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledges and practices to recognized as equally valid. In fact, the story of the Wiky Nursing Home community is a signpost for settler Canadians to a better way of caring for our vulnerable elders.
Nursing home residents made the paper “Valentines” that rest on the chair and cluster around its base. The objects mounted on the Wikiwemikong Nursing Home chair were selected by members of the home community with input from Elder Rita Corbiere. A Wiikwemkoong craftsperson created the birch bark canoe and the Wiikwemkoong crest was carved by a student at the local high school.
CIHO is grateful for these learnings and gifts.
