The Gift of Laughter was the theme for the Three Fires Confederacy held here in the AOK First Nation. There was well over 200 people who came out to enjoy themselves with various games for the kids, a prize bingo, boat tours provided by Endaa-aang Tourism, horseshoes, skateboarding and entertainment. Herbie Barnes was here to make people laugh and Doug McGraw & sons played music from rock n’ roll to country. Also at night there was a fireworks display put on by the AOK Fire Department.

Congratulations to Jane King who won the logo contest and thanks to the Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, other dignitaries and the First Nation communities who came out to enjoy a beautiful day here in our community. Also a Chii-Miigwetch to all the volunteers and to everyone who helped make this a great day to enjoy.

Other: Canada Day Celebrations consisted of a prize bingo and a barbeque held at the AOK beach area. See photos of some AOK band members who enjoyed these celebrations.

The signs were made, the flags were hung and you could hear the beating of the drum as the native protesters took part in the “National Day of Protest”.

Well over 150 people joined in to raise their voices and show their concerns. Zhiibaashing, M’Chigeeng, Sheshegwaning, Sheguiandah as well as the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation participated with their flags and supporters. Other people from Birch Island as well as tourists came to check us out.

“The Anishnabek Flag was hung upside down which means “Distress”.

The protest started around 10 a.m. at the Little Current Bridge. The Protest was peaceful and the weather turned out beautiful. When the Little Current Bridge swung at 11 a.m. some of the protesters stayed on the bridge with their flags. One of them even managed to climb to the top of the bridge. (see photo)