For the second time this year, BIAK EarlyOn Mobile Unit came to the Madawaska Valley Public Library in Barry’s Bay. BIAK is an acronym for Bonnechere Inodewiziwin Abinodjinish Kikinamagan. Formed in 2018, the group’s certified teachers and Elders offer free Indigenous programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old throughout Renfrew County, through the auspices of the County’s Child Care and Early Years Division. On February 20th, eighteen children and caregivers from Kidz Kastle Day Care listened to some Indigenous teachings and learned a little Algonquin language. By the end of the session, they all chimed in to say, “Meegwetch!” (Thank-you) to the BIAK group. Above standing from left Doreen Rutter, Melissa Liedtke, Anne Seabert, Nancy Ward, Jessica Levesque of BIAK lead the children.
Click BELOW for a short video of them performing the Welcome Song.
The children were very excited to meet BIAK speaker Jessica Levesque and five other group members, some wearing traditional Algonquin dress. After a welcome song, Levesque led the children in drumming. They learned about the symbolism of traditional instruments: the drum is round like Mother Earth, its frame is made of wood from the forests (although not fruit trees as they bear food), the drum skin is made from animal hide and each is decorated a picture of an animal. She said playing the drum makes a sound “like your heartbeat.” She told the children to treat the drums gently, as they would treat their mothers, and everyone put down their beaters to practise gently rubbing the drum with fingertips to “put Mother to sleep.” During the session, Levesque taught them a few words in the Algonquin language.
Then, after a few more songs, it was storytime. The children listened intently as Levesque read Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee. There was a lot of determined guessing about whose tracks were in the snow, with guesses ranging from wolf to deer to bear. The session, which also included crafts and more singing, lasted for just an hour but left the children with a better understanding of indigenous culture.
Karen Filipkowski, Library CEO, commented, “It was enchanting to see young children participate in drumming and singing, and lovely to hear their beautiful rhythms throughout the Library. I encourage more families to come and join in this wonderful program on April 6th when BIAK is next at the Library. It is great opportunity to introduce children to local indigenous culture through stories, songs and crafts.”
She said the BIAK group would be back once a month, with the exception of March and July, until the end of the year. Contact the library on 613.756.2000 or mvpl.programs@gmail.com to register for their next visit on Monday, April 6th at 10:00 a.m.