THE HISTORY OF OUR NAME
Elder Jim Windigo
Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation
The following is an excerpt from Grand Council Treaty #3, who shared the history of Shooinyaa Wa-Biitong and honoured Elder Jim Windigo during National Indigenous History Month
Jim Windigo performed the naming ceremony for Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong in the early 1990’s. He then passed his knowledge on to the current Elder for the corporation, Allan White of Naotkamegwanning First Nation.
The Board of Directors of Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong remain guided by the spritual meaning of the name gifted by Elder Windigo. He believed in the value of hard work, and its part in the healing process; when one takes pride in their work, they begin to heal.
He lived his life supporting his large family, mostly through working in the bush and later through becoming involved in the political arena.
Elder Windigo strongly believed in the role of Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong. He dreamed that one day it would have trainers, like himself, who would go to each community in Treaty #3 to teach the traditional ways of life. This process would help the communities heal.
His values of a strong work ethic, working to be a better person, and believing in the work that you do are fondly remembered.