Treaty 2 Territory – The Treaty 2 Territory Youth Council met on June 29, 2022 to discuss the Summer Games and the Sports and Recreation Law, or now; The Odaminoang Onakonehkewin. Odaminoang translates to “playing” in Anishinaabemowin, and the Odaminoang Circle has 4 bundles which are Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Leisure and Land Based Activity.
Craig Beaulieu, the Sports and Recreation Keeper created the law which has been in the works since September 2021. Craig did the first reading with the T2T Youth Council and the law received high praise from the Youth Council in attendance, as well as the knowledge keepers who sat in for the online meeting.
Craig pointed out that it is important to continue to keep active our entire lives through any of these 4 bundles, and the Odaminoang Onakonehkewin makes all these accessible to our citizens free of any type of barrier. He talked about the importance of meaningful social interaction. Craig said “I once had a knowledge keeper tell me that his grandson was always on the video game, and I asked him if he ever listened to him play his game, and his reply was Yes, he is always loud and laughing. I told him that is still social interaction and it is important not to make them feel bad for having fun and playing.”
The Odaminoang Onakonehkewin has been made accessible to Treaty 2 Territory Citizens of all ages. Craig added “I hope to still be playing hockey when I am 60 years old, and this law will allow me to do that.” Craig along with those who helped create the law all agreed of how important it is for everyone to be able to stay active their whole lives. The Odaminoang Circle helps promote healthy mind, body, and spirit in order to Miino Biimadiziiwin.
After the reading, The Odaminoang Onakonehkewin was sponsored by the Youth Council and will move on to next reading which will be for the Governing Council for review and assent, and finally to the Grand Council on August 23rd and 24th, 2022.
This brings us a step closer to having authority over Sports and Recreation in Treaty 2 Territory. This is a historical event as we continue to enforce our sovereignty in our territory. We will be heard, we will not be ignored. The Odaminoang Onakonehkewin and the Odaminoang Circle will be key in solidifying our presence in the territory.
Treaty 2 Territory Sports and Recreation
Odaminoang Circle
Last modified: July 4, 2022
