On September 3, 2025, more than 60 members from five regional nature clubs gathered at Giiwendin Ki in Rama, a stunning cultural space overlooking Lake Couchiching. Representatives attended from the Carden Field Naturalists, Midland-Penetanguishene Field Naturalists, Muskoka Field Naturalists, Nature Barrie, and Orillia Naturalists’ Club, joined by James Simcoe, Director of Culture (Oshkawbewis) for Rama First Nation.
The evening began with a warm welcome and a smudge ceremony led by James, who shared the role of sage in cleansing and connecting mind, body, and spirit. The setting itself—complete with mural panels telling stories of Anishinaabe culture—offered a meaningful backdrop for the gathering.
Each club presented highlights from the past year and upcoming plans. Programs ranged from speaker series to bird monitoring projects, Bluebird and Chimney Swift watches, fundraisers, advocacy work, and contributions to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. All clubs reported strong member engagement and a shared commitment to conservation.
The main presentation of the evening featured James W. Simcoe, Ojibway Anishinaabe of the Caribou Clan and recently retired Chief Fire Officer with Rama Fire Service. Drawing on traditional teachings, James spoke about the Creator’s gifts of land, water, plants, and animals, and how First Nations knowledge identifies medicines from the land. He highlighted plants such as Sweet Fern (digestion and mental health), Tamarack (arthritis), and Blueberries (kidney health), as well as his current work restoring wild rice to local waterways in partnership with conservation organizations.
The evening closed with thanks and gifts presented to James on behalf of the five clubs. Members left with renewed inspiration for both community partnerships and the protection of nature.
