Organizers call for Support
Carolinian Canada would like to share a local Indigenous fundraising campaign with our network. If you would like to support the building of an Anishinaabe Round House at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, visit:
GoFund Me
Facebook - Anishinaabe Round House
- Media Release -
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation – London, ON – June 21st, 2021 - Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day and local Indigenous community organizers have announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to help with the cost of building an Anishinaabe Round House on Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. This announcement comes at a time when many Canadians are beginning to recognize the horrors and long-lasting impacts of the residential school system and asking how they can contribute to fulfillment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action. The Round House will be a vibrant place of learning, healing, and growth for local communities, providing a space to gather, celebrate, and connect with land, traditional ceremonies, and one another.
Betsy Waawaaskone Kechego describes how "The name of the Round House is Nimkii Binesi Zaswaaning, and that means 'the Thunderbirds's Nest'. The reason why we picked that name is because it's part of Ojibwe history that it is the Thunderbird's that bring life. Every time they come there is a renewal of life. We thought that name would be perfect because when we build this lodge we are in hopes that our community and all the people that come here, whatever it is they need at that time, that renewal of life, those teachings, a good way of life, it comes for them." Nimkii Binesi Zaswaaning will contribute to the restoration of community well-being, the reclamation of Anishinaabe ways of knowing, and the revitalization of Anishinaabemowin (the Anishinaabe language) in meaningful ways. Launched a week ago, the GoFundMe campaign has already raised $10,000 in support of building the Round House. The surge of support showcases what is possible. Individuals and organizations can donate to the campaign by visiting the link below.
Indigenous reclamation and resurgence are already happening across Turtle Island (North America) at a grassroots level and it is often funded at the expense of those same grassroots communities. It is time to support Indigenous grassroots communities on a larger scale! We call on non-Indigenous communities, organizations, and churches to donate and make Nimkii Binesi Zaswaaning a reality. Reconciliation needs to be on the terms and at the pace of Indigenous communities and, for the London area, the creation of a Round House is a good first step.
Media contacts:
Betsy Waawaaskone Kechego 519-719-7584
Crystal Kechego 226-235-7702
Liz Akiwenzie 519-495-1600
Pam Plain 519-319-7628
If you would like to support the building of an Anishinaabe Round House at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, visit: