Feast of the Dead and Memorial for Joseph-baa McQuabbie

For Anishnaabe people, this is a time of year that we say the chiiby (spirits) are closest to the Earth.  

On November 1st, many communities (including across the Anishnaabe Confederacy) hold a ceremony called “Feast of the Dead” to honour ancestors and others important to us that have walked on. 

This year we will be taking time the morning of November 1st, to honour the late Joseph McQuabbie, who walked on in mid-October of 2020.  

The Place for Reconciliation for All Our Relations will host some teachings in the morning with Elder Wendy Phillips followed by an 11 am sharing circle and opportunity to share stories and honour the life and legacy of Mussahahtoggaan-baa.  

November 1st Schedule – Feast of the Dead  

9-10 am: Teachings on grief with Elder Wendy Phillips

10-11 am: Condolence teachings with Elder Wendy Phillips   

11-Noon: Celebration of Life ceremony for Joseph-baa McQuabbie

Session Descriptions:  

The first two sessions will be internal to Centennial College students, staff and faculty (as well as some former Indigenous community members) and are meant to give attendees Anishnaabe teachings on grief and condolence, and to discuss cultural understandings of grief as we mark the one year passing of Mussahahtoggaan (Joseph McQuabbie - mishomis/traditionalist of the Anishinabee).  

The 11 am ceremony will be a sharing circle and a more formal ceremony to have an opportunity to share stories and honour the life and legacy at Centennial of Mussahahtoggaan – whose lasting impact is captured in the naming of the Place of Reconcilation for All our Relations, the Director of the Eighth Fire position and many other contributions too numerous to count.   

This event will begin our Treaties Week programming (site with registration) and will be continued with other offerings occurring throughout the month of November that provide opportunities for learning more about Indigenous peoples. 

For any questions, please contact Seán Kinsella, Director the Eighth Fire, skinsella@centennialcollege.ca