Sarah Lewis of Curve Lake First Nation was selected as a top-three finalist for the inaugural Miss Indigenous Canada pageant.

The pageant, described as a self-development program for young Indigenous women ages 18 to 30 that focuses on leadership and cultural involvement and connection, was held from July 24 to 27 in the Hamilton area, on Haudenosaunee territory of Six Nations of the Grand River.

Lewis, a 28-year-old spoken-word artist who served as the City of Peterborough’s first-ever poet laureate in 2021 and 2022, was one of 26 contestants representing First Nations communities across the country who were selected from 700 applicants.

The final day of the pageant, held Saturday (July 27) at the Gathering Place by the Grand in Ohsweken, was a public event that narrowed down the field of 26 to five finalists, Lewis among them.

The Miss Indigenous Canada sash and crown — designed and created by Kymberly Farmer of Sage and Cedar Studio — went to Jessica McKenzie of Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

Now living in Toronto but originally from The Pas in northern Manitoba, the 30-year-old McKenzie encourages cultural revitalization through traditional beading workshops.

Recognized on APTN, Women of Influence, and the Globe and Mail, McKenzie champions the importance of Indigenous art to community and culture, mentors Indigenous youth in career exploration, and donates to various Indigenous initiatives across the country.

During the July 27th event, Lewis was selected as second runner-up to McKenzie and was awarded a $300 cash prize. Earlier during the event, she had the opportunity to perform her original poem “Coming Home” to the audience.

On Facebook, after congratulating McKenzie on her “well deserved” title, Lewis said she was “extremely grateful and honoured to have been given the opportunity to take part in this journey.”

“The powerful, kind, creative Indigenous women I’ve met have inspired and encouraged me to keep doing this good work for our communities,” Lewis added. “Pageant or not, this is not the end of our journeys and I can’t wait to see how we continue to support our communities.”

Coming in as first runner-up was 24-year-old Meiyah Whiteduck of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, with 28-year-old Sereena Nahmabin of Aamjiwnaang First Nation as third runner-up and 26-year-old Emily Kewageshig of Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation named fourth runner-up.

In addition, six awards were handed out to contestants: academic achievement to Jaida Gregg (Lac Seul First Nation signatory to Treaty #3 of Nishnawbe Aski Nation), public speaking to Ocean Bruyere (Anishinabe Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Peguis First Nation), traditional knowledge to Jade Mukash (Eeyou Istchee, Whapmagoostui First Nation), charitable giving to Sereena Nahmabin (Aamjiwnaang), congeniality to Jessica McKenzie (Opaskwayak Cree Nation), and community service to Reegan Starr Maracle (Mohawk Nation, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte).

VIDEO: Sarah Lewis performs “Coming Home” at Miss Indigenous Canada

From learning how to safely build a summer campfire to taking a closer look at the inside of a police car, the Kawartha Lakes Public Library invites area children to meet local firefighters and police officers at their local library branch.

Paramedics, along with snow plow, garbage truck, and other heavy equipment operators, will also share with kids a glimpse into their jobs — and a peek into their vehicles — through a series of special story time sessions in the coming weeks across Kawartha Lakes.

“We hope that these events provide an opportunity for children and adults alike to meet the people that help make Kawartha Lakes a safe and welcoming space,” Marieke Junkin, manager of programming and public services for the Kawartha Lakes Public Library, told kawarthaNOW.

“Libraries have long been known as a source of information and learning,” Junkin said. “As communities’ hubs, we also recognize that our library branches are an important space for people to not only connect with each other, but also with the organizations and service providers that make Kawartha Lakes a safe and welcoming space to live.”

The upcoming events will be geared towards children and families, but all community members are welcome to attend, meet some of their local emergency responders, thank them for everything they do and, of course, explore their vehicles, a media release noted.

Junkin said the Kawartha Lakes Public Library has enjoyed strong relationships and long partnerships with Kawartha Lakes fire services, police services, and paramedics for story time events at its Lindsay location.

“These have always been a hit with our younger patrons, their families, and caregivers,” Junkin noted. “Last year, when planning our 2023 line-up of summer events, our team wondered what if we could offer this incredible learning experience to library users at our 13 other library branches in Kawartha Lakes.”

“We were happy to hear that not only could we offer these events in all those communities, but also that the OPP, Miller Waste, Kawartha Lakes Transit, and City of Kawartha Lakes roads operations were interested in visiting library branches to talk about the services they provide. This summer, we are excited to be offering 20 events featuring partnerships with these various service providers.”

While a number of the events took place during July, there are still plenty coming up in August.

Police story time

Kawartha Lakes Public Library invites the community to participate in an interactive story time with a local police officer. Children may even get to explore a police car.

• Bethany branch: Thursday, August 1 at 4 p.m.
• Dunsford branch: Tuesday, August 13 at 2 p.m.
• Coboconk branch: Friday, August 23 at 11 a.m.

Firefighter story time

Participants will meet local firefighters with Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service who will tell stories, demonstrate how their gear works, and share important fire safety tips. Children will also get the opportunity to explore a fire truck.

• Omemee branch: Tuesday, July 30 at 10:30 a.m.
• Kinmount branch: Thursday, August 15 at 11 a.m.
• Lindsay branch: Friday, August 16 at 11 a.m.

Campfire story time

Kawartha Lakes Fire Services is offering a special campfire edition of story time. “Join us to learn how to safely build and burn a real campfire. Pull up your lawn chair to hear stories, sing songs and then learn how to safely extinguish a campfire.”

• Oakwood branch: Wednesday, August 14 at 10:30 a.m.

“Touch a Truck” – explore an ambulance

Participants will meet local paramedics with Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service, learn about their jobs, and explore an ambulance.

• Lindsay branch: Friday, August 9 at 10:30 a.m.

“Touch A Truck” – explore a garbage truck

“Ever wondered what it’s like inside a garbage truck? You can find out at the library this summer. Meet local waste management staff and learn all about the lifecycle of garbage and recycling with fun activities.”

• Fenelon Falls branch: Friday, August 16 at 11 a.m.

“Touch A Truck” – explore heavy equipment

View a Kawartha Lakes snow plow and other heavy equipment up close and personal at the library. Meet the staff who operate these machines and keep area roads clean and safe for travelling.

• Norland branch: Thursday, August 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Bobcaygeon branch: Wednesday, August 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Wheels On The Bus story time

“Join library staff as Lindsay Transit is taking us for a special bus ride as we enjoy stories and songs about things that go. Contact the Lindsay branch to register as seats are limited.”

• Lindsay branch: Friday, August 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Visit www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca for more information about these and other events at the Kawartha Lakes Public Library.

Cobourg police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest in connection with four break-and-enter incidents at businesses in the Town of Cobourg.

At around 7:18 a.m. last Monday (July 22), police responded to a break-and-enter incident at an Elgin Street East business, where it was reported a person entered the building by prying a door open and stole cash before leaving the area.

On Friday (July 26), police received reports of three similar break-and-enter incidents, at an Elgin Street West business at around 6:10 a.m., at a Strathy Road business at around 6:37 a.m., and at an Elgin Street East business at around 7:30 a.m.

Police, who say the theft of cash and property damage amounts to around $5,500, are continuing to investigate the incidents. They believe the same person was involved in all four incidents, and have released surveillance images of a person of interest that are working to identify.

Anyone with any information about the person of interest, or with dashcam or CCTV footage of the areas involved at the time of the incidents, is asked to call the Cobourg Police Service at 905-372-6821.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at stopcrimehere.ca. Tips received through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.

What began as a one-off in 2020 to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has blossomed into a much-anticipated annual live music event on the shores of Stoney Lake in Peterborough County.

Much anticipated, that is, by those fortunate enough to be invited to Bruce and Susan Hodges’ island property, the main feature of which is their cottage, Wanakuen, which was built in 1901.

Headlining this year’s Wanakuen Concert, which brought together some 300 people on July 13th, was the Canadian rock band 54-40, with Newcastle’s Chalk Circle opening.

With the help of not one but two anonymous $10,000 donations, the intimate music festival brought in close to $40,000 for RMHC Toronto — more than the $38,000 raised via the first four events.

Established in 1974 as a means of supporting families with a child receiving critical hospital care, RMHC is now at work in 62 countries, providing accommodations, meals, and mental health support free of charge.

RMHC Toronto operates Ronald McDonald House at 240 McCaul Street in downtown Toronto, just minutes from SickKids and Mt. Sinai Hospital, which accommodates 81 families, as well as seven family rooms in five hospitals across the Greater Toronto Area and in Sudbury.

VIDEO: “April Fool” by Chalk Circle – 2024 (video by Brent Nykoliation)

As for the annual Wanakuen Concert on Stoney Lake, it all began when Bruce Hodges “dragged” his wife Susan to a concert headlined by the Canadian new wave band Spoons.

“For some reason, Spoons were on my Facebook feed and I saw that they do a concert every year (McBowl for RMHC) with a guy named Ed Sousa,” recalls Hodges. “They couldn’t do it (in 2020) because of COVID.”

“I always had this sort of crazy idea to do a private concert. We’re on an island, and we another little island nearby. I thought it’d be cool to do it out onto the lake. I saw this (Facebook) post and I thought ‘What the hell? Why don’t we do this.’ In four weeks, we went from zero to full concert.”

“There were (gathering restriction) rules and we stuck very closely to those. You were allowed 100 people outside at an event. We raised $600 or $700, something like that. It rained, so it was quite an event.”

Undaunted, the Hodges again hosted another summer concert in 2021, with Spoons returning, this time joined by new wave band Images in Vogue.

“We sold 100 tickets and had a wait list of 100 more,” he says. “The (gathering restriction) rules were supposed to change but they didn’t, so we put 100 (people) on our island, 100 on the island across from us, and we put the stage on a barge, provided by Kawartha Lakes Construction, in between.”

In 2022, Honeymoon Suite and Nashville-based singer-songwriter Leah Marlene — the daughter of Honeymoon Suite lead guitarist Derry Grehan — entertained some 250 guests. Last summer saw Glass Tiger headline.

With this year’s concert in the rearview mirror, “now we begin to plan for next year,” says Hodges, who can’t say enough good things about Sousa’s ongoing involvement and support.

“It (the connection to RMHC) started because that was the charity of choice of Spoons,” he says. “Credit to them and Ed Sousa, who helps me every year, coaching me on what to do. We had someone here this year from Ronald McDonald House. We had (former MuchMusic veejay) Erica Ehm here this year as well, and (Peterborough Musicfest executive director) Tracey Randall. She came last year and loved it, she came this year and loved it, and now we’re looking to partner on the bands we bring in so we can get economies of scale.”

“I had some challenges on the sound front, so we switched up and got Bill Porter (Porter Sound that oversees Musicfest sound and lighting).”

Sousa, who as a Toronto-based promoter has worked with most all of Canada’s premier music acts, says the Hodges are “the real deal.”

“Bruce has been attending our Toronto shows for quite a number of years. During COVID, we couldn’t do our indoor shows, so he reached out and said ‘Ed, is it possible that you can do a show at my cottage?’ I said ‘Well, it’s an outdoor thing, so anything is possible.’ We booked Spoons for the first show in 2020 and it went off incredibly well.”

Each band brought to the Hodges’ cottage since expressed some trepidation when first approached, says Sousa. That was his cue to kick into promoter mode.

“I kind of had to give them a sales pitch,” he says. “I said ‘Listen, trust me when I tell you that you’ve going to enjoy this. It’ll probably be one of the best shows you’ll ever do.’ We’ve been fortunate that that has held true. Previous bands are part of our sales team. That’s how we’ve been able to get other bands involved.”

“Artists are very finicky. They don’t like unknowns. They want to show up, plug in and play.”

VIDEO: “Someday” – Glass Tiger – 2023 (video by Brent Nykoliation)

Sousa estimates that since 2016, shows that he’s been involved with and promoted have brought in some $500,000 for RMHC, with which he has had a personal experience.

In October 1992, his nephew, who was diagnosed with leukemia five years earlier, passed away at age 17. During that time, his sister stayed at Ronald McDonald House in Toronto off and on while her son received treatment at SickKids.

“I told myself if there’s ever an organization that I’m going to assist, that would be the one because we’ve benefited from it firsthand. That’s part of the agreement with Bruce. I told him I’d assist him, start to finish, but he has to make a substantial donation to them (RMHC). He has kept to his word on that.”

“They’re phenomenal hosts and their hearts are in the right place. I can’t say enough good things about them.”

Reflecting on that first concert in 2020, Hodges admits there was trepidation in terms of bringing it back in 2021.

“Susan was like ‘You really want to do it again?'” he laughs.

“We had Michael Williams host the second one. He asked that question and I said ‘We do it because we can.’ It’s a fun day. It’s a bunch of work but it’s a phenomenal cause. I’ve been to Ronald McDonald House. You watch the (RMHC promotional) videos and you can’t not shed a tear.”

“Maybe I’m a little bit nuts,” Hodges reflects. “I’m building a start-up as well. If you and I had a beer, or even before we could drink, and you said ‘Spoons are going to play on your porch,’ I would have been like ‘Yeah, sure.'”

“We go to great lengths to make sure the bands love it because they all talk. I think any band that was here would say to another band ‘Absolutely. You should do it.’ We just make sure they’re happy and have fun. The Honeymoon Suite guys were fishing here, for crying out loud.”

When it’s suggested that the only way to secure an invite is become his friend, Hodges laughs, adding “Or a friend of any of our guests. Guests can bring guests; friends can bring friends.”

“We are immensely grateful to Bruce and Susan for hosting and presenting the Wanakuen Concert for the past five years,” says RMHC Toronto vice-president of development and marketing Allison Urowitz, who attended the July 13th concert. “The day was infused with a spirit of community and generosity with hundreds of caring people coming to enjoy the magic of music together.”

“As a charitable non-profit organization that is community funded, we rely on the generous support of community members and events like these to provide support to families dealing with the realities of caring for a child who is seriously ill,” Urowitz adds. “Thanks to the continuous generosity of the Hodges and friends, parents can stay close to their child’s side in the hospital knowing they can sleep and restore steps away at the House.”

Although this year’s Wanakuen Concert is over, you can make a donation to RMHC on behalf of the event at any time by visiting 2024-wanakuen.raiselysite.com. Tax receipts are issued for donations.

This story has been updated. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Leah Marlene only performed at the Wanakuen Concert in 2022.

Sarah Lewis, the City of Peterborough’s inaugural poet laureate, is in the running for the Miss Indigenous Canada title.

Lewis, a spoken-word artist from Curve Lake First Nation near Peterborough, is one of 26 contestants vying for the crown, which will be awarded on Saturday (July 27) as part of an event currently underway at the Courtyard by Marriott in Hamilton, which is Six Nations of the Grand River territory.

Unlike other pageants, Miss Indigenous Canada is not a beauty contest.

“Miss Indigenous Canada is a three-day event geared towards young Indigenous leaders of tomorrow,” states the Miss Indigenous Canada website.

“Above all, we value self-development, community service, cultural involvement, empowerment, and authentic representation. The program was created in an effort to provide an outlet for young Indigenous women to celebrate their abilities and achievements, make connections with like-minded peers, work to serve their communities, and promote cultural involvement and connection.”

Contestants hail from First Nations communities across the country.

The final day of the pageant is a public event taking place at the Gathering Place by the Grand in Ohsweken and is described as “a night of celebration and empowerment.

“Witness the beauty and talent of Indigenous women from all across Canada as they compete for the coveted title. Get ready for a night filled with cultural performances, traditional attire, and inspiring stories.”

Hosted by Chelazon Leroux and Miss Six Nations 2023 Kari Hill, the evening features a traditional presentation, a “top five final question,” a guest performance by Semiah, and the crowning of the first-ever Miss Indigenous Canada.

While online tickets for the event are sold out, a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Lewis, 28, is representing Curve Lake First Nation. In addition to being an Ojibwe and Cree spoken-word poet, she is a mother, activist, and author. Lewis attended Trent University in Peterborough and served as the city’s inaugural poet laureate from 2021 to 2022. She has been featured on CBC Arts, Global News, and stages across the world.

“Her poetry is birthed from an unapologetic woman sick of a colonial, capitalistic, sexist society, who feels we can use our voices to dismantle and break free from these harmful systems,” reads a description of Lewis on the Miss Indigenous Canada website. “When Sarah is not performing poetry, you can find her in meditation, in ceremony, hiking in the forest, reading or running.”

As for Lewis herself, she said in a social media post that she feels “blessed to take part in such a historical moment for the first-ever Miss Indigenous Canada pageant.

“I think we could all agree on how emotional it felt to be in a room full of powerful Indigenous women who embody strength, passion, and leadership. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week and weekend bring.”

Find out more about Miss Indigenous Canada at www.missindigenouscanada.ca.

The Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation is toasting the success of a recent wine and ale social that raised a record amount for the west Northumberland hospital.

Organizers of the 11th Annual Wine & Ale in the Park, held in Cobourg in late June, recently announced more than $40,000 was raised through the event, the highest amount the event has raised to date.

Close to 300 guests sampled food and drink from 11 local vendors, and enjoyed a new “mocktail station” featuring non-alcoholic beverages.

Megan Fluxgold, community engagement and events specialist for the NHH Foundation, discussed the stellar outcome of the event with kawarthaNOW.

“As for this being a record-breaking year, I think it falls solely on our community,” Fluxgold said. “Our community sponsors have stepped up once again to help make this event a success, our local restaurant and beverage vendors continue to raise the bar every year, and our guests/supporters make this event as special as it is.”

“We have sold out the past three years within hours, and some community members who love this event as much as we do continue to support even if they can’t attend as they want to keep the tradition and success of this event going,” she added. “We’re very lucky.”

Leading the way for the 11th year, Tony Pulla of Re/Max Lakeshore Realty Inc. provided his signature sponsorship support, a media release noted.

Sydney Fairman and Trenholm Parker of the Sydney Fairman Group stepped up again as the exclusive beverage sponsor for the evening.

“Both Sydney and Trenholm believe in a good hospital for west Northumberland and do what they can to strengthen NHH,” Fluxgold said.

Fluxgold offered a special shout-out to the Lions Club of Cobourg for providing use of their tent free of charge.

“In addition to allowing us to use the tent, Lions members volunteer to help set up, clean up, and they are our beverage servers for the evening.”

Other sponsors included Elliott Insurance Services, Quantrill Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac, Nikolovsky Wealth Management – BMO Private Wealth, Acme Electric, Don Emond of Assante Wealth Management, LeBlanc Enterprises and Stadtke Plumbing and Heating.

Money raised from the event goes directly towards patient care, Fluxgold noted.

“Funds raised from this event will be invested in equipment to help support patients of NHH,” she said. “This year alone, the hospital has over $10 million in capital projects the Foundation will fund. Events like Wine & Ale are one way we can deliver on this commitment.”