MIFC-Gravenhurst

Our first project–making Ribbon Skirts
founded October 2018

MIFC-Gravenhurst

Founded in 2018 as a place for safe healing and community connection, the Gravenhurst location has been meeting weekly ever since. There was a time when Covid shut things down while we figured out how to still make connections by phone, and finally on Zoom.

But now we are meeting weekly in person once again. Tuesdays 1-3pm at the St James Anglican Church at 191 Hotchkiss Street in Gravenhurst. They have welcomed us with open arms and in a genuine humble spirit of Reconciliation.

Everyone is welcome. Use the back door on John Street (beside the library parking lot). Free soup lunch, and wheelchair accessible. You will find us in the basement.

2024 healing project

Walk With A Soft Moccasin

Maarsii, Miigwetch, Nia:wen, Thank You to the Anglican Foundation of Canada for funding this special 2024 project.

Throughout the year and in multiple Muskoka locations, an array of skill building workshops and teachings will conclude with Indigenous community members being able to make their own moccasins.

Starting with deer hyde and learning basic beading skills on smaller projects will allow participants an opportunity to work with leather and beads. Gradually participants will step up their skillset by working with moose hyde (much thicker to work with) and more detailed beadwork.

Finally, over a 2 day workshop, Indigenous community members who feel comfortable working with the moose hyde will be guided to making their own pair of moccasins. Just in time for the colder weather of approaching winter.

FREE TO ATTEND.

Week 1–Let’s Eat-Meetsho Taak

Meetsho Taak (michif for Let’s Eat). Pronounced like it looks–Meet, Show, Talk. That is what happens every week. A gathering of community over a free soup luncheon.

Prepared by volunteers who show up early to get the Instant Pot going with a variety of different Vegetables Soups.

However, the first Tuesday of every month, we try to offer a simple cooking activity, having free food items available, and trying to include more traditional food sources into our diets.

Focus is on Healthy Indigenous Families. A part of that is learning how to develop healthier eating practices.

Supporters of our Healthy Indigenous Families programs include: St James Anglican Church, Free Stuff 4 Daily Needs.

Timeline

1-3pm

Details

FREE

Get in touch

Week 2–General Activity

This is a fluctuating activity week. Sometimes we have had Talking Circles, made Healing Blankets (photo), Lavender Ties, and more.

Activities are chosen for their adaptability for individuals’ needs and capabilities, as well as, the input from the self-determined choices of the members.

A popular expression is: “It’s a forgiving project.”

Goal is success, inclusiveness, and healing for everyone participating. This is another part of our Healthy Indigenous Families programming.

Supporters of our Healthy Indigenous Families programs include: Elexicon Energy, St James Anglican Church, Free Stuff 4 Daily Needs, and and the Community Enhancement Fund through the District of Muskoka.

Timeline

1-3pm

Details

FREE

Get in touch

Week 3–Drumming

As a community it was decided that dedicated monthly time needed to be set aside for learning how to play hand drums, or for the men, the Pow Wow drum. We are still learning how to get to know our drums’ heartbeats, care for them, and find our voices for songs.

Recently students from a local public school have been joining us and learning some basic teachings as well.

Future goals include offering more drum making workshops. However, as you can imagine these are expensive to offer and when we do, highest priority is given to the Indigenous community members who do not own or have made their own hand drums. Bringing culture home first, and then reaching out to the greater community.

Timeline

1-3pm

Details

Hand Drums Men’s Drum

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Week 4–General Activity

Another activity week. Our goal is to get prepared to actually use this week for bigger projects such as:

Orange Ribbon Community Quilt.

This project is to take the 7,000+ orange ribbons tied in 2021 and make a story quilt where each square is unique and tells each participant’s story of what Residential Schools and TRC means to them.

Timeline

1-3pm

Details

FREE

Get in touch

7 Generations

Families and the youth are to very important in our culture and our future. Keeping this in mind we offer additional family specific outreaches.

We have an Auntie Circle of Care that helps families transitioning with Family Connexions and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services.

Children are always welcome at our weekly gatherings. Their laughter and joy is a delight for all. For the parents we are starting to organize 4 Direction Parenting workshops. To date this has been one-on-one teaching, but getting a few families together at once is a goal. Resources to help facilitate this programming have recently been purchased.

Our community outreach includes having students from a local public school join us and learn about culture, drumming, and gaining better understanding about their Indigenous classmates.

Again, this programming is part of our Healthy Indigenous Families programs and initiatives.

Supporters of our Healthy Indigenous Families programs include: Elexicon Energy, St James Anglican Church, Free Stuff 4 Daily Needs, and the Community Enhancement Fund through the District of Muskoka.

Ready to Get Started?

Become A Member

Indigenous and Non-Indigenous community members who reside in the District Municipality of Muskoka are eligible to become members of the Muskoka Indigenous Friends Cultural Centre. Members have voting rights of who represents the community on the Board of Directors.