By Amy White, Wallaceburg
Boozhoo Ode'mini Giizis Cafe Niijiis (friends),
Out of the blue, Waub Rice reached out Saturday, saying he would be in the neighbourhood on Monday.
Fastforward to Sunday, and we made a Facebook post asking people to share who some of their favourite Indigenous authours were and why. Within minutes, eighteen people shared and began discussing what some of us love to talk about most —ideas—opinions—tastes and preferences for writing style —and why.
Our hearts raced, we found, dare we say, connection.
In modern Ojibwa fashion, and with Odawag (barterers) blood flowing like undamned currents through our veins, we got to work, and planned. Our Cafe is small, and while we don't want to exclude people, we had to be strategic and invite those we thought might appreciate having lunch at our establishment, and of course, a chance to meet and talk writing with Waub.
We're thrilled to share, in less than twenty-four hours, we speed planned our way to launching Ode'mini Giizis Cafe's first event attended by a national celebrity.
Community gathered at the Cafe, at 208 Margaret Ave., Wallaceburg ON to share their most valuable gifts, themselves. Authentic and honest group expression, made the afternoon soirée a most surreal success.
The Cafe buzzed with excitement as book enthusiasts gathered for this special literary event. The impromptu gathering brought together a select group of literary aficionados for an afternoon of engaging discussions and camaraderie.
Starting at 11 AM, we warmly welcomed attendees, in our best attempt at a lowkey event, without over committing him, as Waub was on a lunch break, afterall.
So we did what our community does best, welcome others here, warmly.
I shared an opening Thanksgiving Prayer in Anishinaabemowin. Beendige Giizhig graced the space with a welcome song for Waub to our terriory. A precious song he connected to the late Gordon Nicotine. We reveled in the effects the song brought into the space.
Jackie then shared a local land acknowledgement and then Asia shined her words of self reflection, growth, self-empowerment and wisdom with us, alloting some of her award winning writing. We rounded off the event with local knowledge keeper and mainstay Bkejwanong storyteller, Lynda Lou, who we know as Walpole Island's librarian. Unbeknownst to guests, as Lynda delivered a heartfelt tribute to the fallen women in the ongoing battle against Indigenous women's treatment in Canada, symbolizing the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, she was suddenly interrupted. A mysterious and eerie fire alarm rang out from the kitchen, despite there being no stove on and no food scorching. Yet, for those of us attuned to the call out from the other side, and the unheard cry from these restless souls waiting to be heard, we understood this call to be one of a request to be delivered from and for this epidemic to be broken, a call some of us hold an all too intimate understanding of, unfortunately.
Guests then breaked for some Chi-nii'ezigagnag nboop (Indian Corn Soup) and our Monday's seasonal vegan special of Gichi Dgwaagi Naagan (Big Fall Plate).
Those seated dined under a reflective atmsophere, while sipping seasonal beverages.
The event not only celebrated literature but also fostered a sense of community. Though I was busy preparing plates, and bowls, I overheard guests engaged in lively discussions, sharing their thoughts, insights and asking questions of a valued and masterful story keeper, Waubgeshig Rice. Waub enlivened the space with his open presence, and based on the looks I observed, I'd say the crowd was inspired and touched by the generosity of his heart and spirit, and the insight of his unique and visionary perspective.
Yesterday, literature and good company brought us together, and now there's talk of us launching a once a month Indigenous literature book club at the Cafe.
Gichi miigwech to the guests of Ode’mini Giizis Coffee Co. & Cafe for sharing in the spontaneity and experience, and too for helping us to co-create such a memorable experience.
As the day wrapped up, it was our sincere wish, guests left with enriched minds, satisfied palates, and a strengthened sense of community as well as felt a bit more optimism for the future.
Miigwech (with thanks) and warm regards to all who attended.
Amy & Chloe
Ode’mini Giizis Cafe
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