Big Island opens new $1.1 million band office

Ken Johnston
Editor

Last Thursday the residents of Big Island First Nation and guests officially opened their new Band Office.
The $1.1 million building has been a dream of Band Manager Val Pizey since 1983 when the population moved from its old reserve on Big Island to the main land. The first band office was an old house that was moved in and was added onto over the years. "This was long over due," said an excited Pizey.
The building houses two beautiful conference rooms that overlook Lake of the Woods. It is also home to the band's medical clinic and several counselling services. The chief and council also have office space to deal with the community's day to day business.
Big Island, home to about 150 people, received $100,000 in Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation grant dollars. Pizey noted that there was no Federal Indian Affairs money in the project. The only federal money involved is yet to come from Health Canada. Royal Bank bridge financed that part of the cost as well as the balance of the project. Pizey is optimistic that Health Canada will come through with some money towards the project.
Sticking with tradition the front door of the building was locked and not allowed to be used until a blessing ceremony could be conducted. Elder and former chief Joe Big George lead a group of drummers in song at about 12:20 p.m. He also thanked all for coming to the ceremony and the contractor J.T. Judson of Emo and the workers that built it. About 12:40 p.m. Big George gave a traditional Ojibwe prayer.
Chief Wes Big George explained that they had the building blessed since it "is the hub of where all good things will happen in our community." Wes said that the biggest challenge in getting the building off the ground was choosing a location. He also noted that he appreciated the patience of the architect as they tweaked the design several times.
Guests of honour at the ceremony included Grand Chief of Treaty 3 Leon Jourdain, New Democratic Party leader Howard Hampton, Ron Green of Indian Affairs, as well as representatives from Royal Bank and the contractor J.T. Judson.
All offered their congratulations on the project.
Elder Joe Big George explained the significance of the coloured ribbons used for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. He said Red represents the East; Blue the Sky, Yellow the West, White the North and Green the Mother Earth.
Chief Wes Big George cut the ribbons that were held by councillors Robert Handorgan and Carl Big George, Sr. After which the building was opened for tours and a fish fry was held for all in attendance.