RCNS members, Jim & Marjorie Dawson travelled to Pikangikum First Nation in North-West Ontario last week to provide canoe training for three Gr 7 classes and the outdoor education class at EB school in Pikangikum. See several of the the canoe training photos and read more about their most recent visit in their ongoing commitment to Pikangikum, at the 'Read more ...' tab.
The
training culminated in games of skill to test students on the paddling strokes. We played “dead fish tag” with a wet sponge and “teach a duck to fly” where you had to throw and retrieve a rubber duck as may times as it takes to cross the finish line. The surprising winner of the teach the duct to fly was Wyatt Keeper and Morris Owen who were able to retrieve the duck and get it to shore in just three throws! We were able to certify 12 junior school paddlers plus 8 high school students who were awarded official ORCKA (canoeing association) cards. As well as did training and evening paddles with over 15 teachers and 2 OPP officers.We were impressed by the high school sports award night which had 8 teams being celebrated with over 50 athletes in attendance many on multiple teams. There are many new facilities in the community including transition home, a safe house/hotel and they are presently building a senior’s residence and they are clearing land for new gym facility.
We were also thrilled to see that the Pikangikum Health Authority is the first First Nation Authority to be designated as Best Practice Spotlight Organisation by the Registered Nurses Association. So.. wonderful things are happening in Pikangikum! We saw a lot of old friends and made some new acquaintances to deepen our connection to the community.
