Dialogue with Indigenous folks eyed to enrich Neebing

A Neebing businesswoman is hoping that regular meetings and events in the municipality aimed at improving Indigenous relations will spark a healthy dialogue between its Indigenous and non-native residents. "I think people will come out and participate if the opportunity is there," Cindy Crowe, who is a member of Neebing's economic development committee, said on Tuesday. According to Neebing's online community information bulletin, "the municipality would like to provide support and opportunities to the Indigenous people of the community." "It has been suggested," the bulletin added, "that the Anishinaabe (and all Indigenous) people may be interested in gathering, discussing options, planning events and other important matters." Other Northwestern Ontario municipalities, such as the City of Dryden, have been pro-active in recent years in trying to build relationships with Indigenous people who live in the city or at communities close by. Crowe, an Anishinaabe person whose business promotes and fosters its culture, believes Neebing's population of about 2,200 would be enriched by powwows and other activities with Indigenous themes. Some residents may be choosing to keep a low profile and not "self- identify" as Indigenous, though traditional ceremonies may still be occurring at private gatherings, Crowe said. Indigenous and non-native people "should be having a conversation with each other," she said. Anyone who has ideas about how to start activities or meetings can contact Neebing's economic development department at 807-474-5331. The department can also be reached by email at development@neebing.org.

Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, The Chronicle-Journal