First of all I wish to congratulate the new elected Anishinaabemowin Teg Inc. President Elizabeth Osawamick, and to re-elected Vice President Susan Manitowabi; Secretary- Margaret Noodin, and to the newly elected board of directors, Jessie Southwind, Edward George, and Elder’s Senate-Rhonda Hopkins and Shirley Williams.

Aapji Nimiigwechwe’aak; the Board of Directors, Elders Senate and Youth for all the work before and during the conference. Thanks to the working coordinators that went way above many of their duties, such as the volunteer coordinator Stella Rose Hogan who was my personal runner and made things go smoother throughout the conference. What an awesome crew of volunteers this year that put so much into their work. Miigwech to all volunteers!

Gratitude goes to the Sault Tribe especially Cecil Pavlot and Les Ailing who made sure all the cultural aspects were taking care of such as the Sacred Fire and the Firekeepers. Appreciation goes to the Kewadin Staff who has always given Anishinaabemowin Ateg their best to accommodate us, thank you also Todd Olmstead, Barb Willis, and Kim Russo.

For the first time with our A-Teg conference, we started with a Pre-Conference topic called ‘Walking the Distance Together’- “Aging with Dignity” with Bea Shawanda and Shirley Williams. It was indeed an interesting topic! Bea did this one day workshop, also did a presentation with Shirley, and served as the MC for the whole conference. A-Teg so appreciates all the hard work she has contributed through presentations and fundraising. The Shawanda family worked to raise funds for futre conferences again this year. Miigwech so much Bea!

We also say Miigwech to the entertainers; Robbie Shawana and Leslie Neshkiwe who performed on Thursday night, and we must not forget Elder Henry Peltier-ba who did his last songs on the Kewadin stage and who is feasted every year.

Gratitude goes to M’Chigeeng Immersion School for showcasing their little ones on Friday morning, also their teachers Elaine Debassige and Debbie Hare who received the Lena Odjig-White-ba Memorial Award. A teacher’s excellence indeed!

Admiration went out to the A-Teg Board for being such great sports and participating in the Tammy Beauvais Fashion show! Following the show our keynote speaker Liz Webkamigad delivered her address about her journey to learn Anishinaabemowin. A touching story right from her heart! Gamaamiikwenmigo Liz!

Friday evening is our highlight every year when we listen to Memorial Scholarship recipients speak Anishinaabemowin as honor them with a plaque and monetary gift. All these beautiful students beamed that evening! It was truly their night!

I too was truly moved when I was presented with an Eagle Feather from Veteran George Martin which was gifted by Elder Frank Ettawagiizhik. I also received a beautiful plaque as a recognition for Leadership and Service during my five years as President and 21 years as a Member of the Anishinaabemowin-Teg Board. Twenty one years is truly a long time. Miigwech to all of you!

Heartfelt thanks to all of our presenters especially Stan Peltier, Howard Webkamigad, and Jerry Otawajiwan who filled in when needed. Gordon Waindubence, Miigwech, for delivering the cultural presentation much needed by many. Miigwechwigoom!

Miigwech to the photographers: Marcella Hadden and Bruno Henry who worked very well together during the three days. Beautiful snap shots through-out the conference which you can see on our site and Facebook page.

Thank you to all the drums: Bodawasay, Old Style Ojibwe, Little Iron, and Big River that came for the Saturday social event and the dancers who enjoyed dancing all evening long. Gchi-Miigwech Chris Pheasant for being the MC – an awesome job, well done.

For all the vendors that come every year, we appreciate your support. Miigwech to the Saginaw Chippewa in Mt. Pleasant and the Pokagon Band Potawatomi who helped offset some of the costs for this conference. A-Teg also says Miigwech to Algoma Residential school for the money that was donated.

Yes indeed it has become the largest Anishinaabemowin Language Conference around the Great Lakes area.

This conference had so many people in attendance and it truly was a “magical time” to do visiting and much more.

We are grateful for a successful conference, once again. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves and following this year’s theme, “Naakaazdaa Enweying”.