Sault College hosts historic gathering of eagle staffs

Sault College's Department of Native Education and Training hosted an historic weekend gathering of almost 30 eagle staffs from Anishinabe nations across Ontario and Michigan.

Eagle staffs played a significant role in early Anishinabe tradition but, together with native languages, fell into disuse during the European assimilation.

The carefully crafted staffs honour native history, including ancestors and treaty signings.

They're presented by elders to various groups to recognize contributions or achievements.

Today, eagle staffs are returning as part of overall efforts to recover Anishinabe language and traditions.

Grand Chief attended

Shown above is the staff of the Union of Ontario Indians, brought to the Sault on Saturday by Grand Council Chief Vernon Roote.

Grand Chief Roote and others held teaching sessions to explain the significance of the staffs.

A large contingent of war veterans was also honoured at the full-day event at Sault College.

Sault College student donates artifacts

In another important development, retired steelworker and Sault College student Wayne McKeachnie donated a 25,000-piece collection of artifacts to Batchewana First Nation. For more information about that donation, please click here.