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About Us - Eldawik History
An interested group of people wishing to become members of The Confederacy of Nova Scotia Métis first met in February 2000 at the Friendship Center in Halifax. Basic information about starting and organizing a group in the Halifax and surrounding areas was presented by two key members of the Confederacy Nova Scotia Métis, Ted Baker and Steve Relton.
By April, we had written our initial local By-Laws for the new local of the Confederacy of Nova Scotia Métis. Our group elected a Speaker, a Deputy Speaker, Secretary/Treasurer, and Events Coordinator. The North Dartmouth Community Center became the original meeting place. The group quickly voiced that they had no interest in a lot of meetings, but were far more interested in accomplishing tasks and learning our Aboriginal Culture. Some of these included learning crafts, ceremonies, hearing the teachings from our Elders, and experiencing new horizons.
Accomplishments:
| 2000-2001 Board |
| Kathy Osborne, Speaker (president) |
| Angus Osborne, Deputy Speaker (vice-president) |
| Sue Gault, Secretary/Treasurer |
| Audra Owen, Events Coordinator |
It was at this time Eldawik received their Charter from the Canadian Métis Council in 2001, Steve Gault offered to create and maintain a Métis Web site for the Eldawik. Flea markets was organized for Fund Raising by Sue Gault at the North Dartmouth Community Center in addition to craft activities for kids, Halloween and Christmas parties, Pot Luck Dinners, BBQs. A Sweetgrass picking Ceremony was held in Peggy's Cove, assisted by Mi'kmaq Spiritual Leader and Elder Noel Knockwood. Elder Ted Baker, visited and taught his traditions to us.
An Elder in Training, Clyde "Twin" Hyslop suggested at one of our first meetings the name "Eldawik". Eldawik, a Mi'kmaq word, which means "Doing It Together", was almost instantly accepted. A vote was held and the name adopted. Since then, we have been keeping true to our name.
October 2001, member Kathy Osborne, also an Elder in training under the guidance of Noel Knockwood was honored with the title Aboriginal Elder of Nova Scotia. Later the members elected Kathy Osborne as Elder of Eldawik.
| 2002 Board |
| Angus Osborne, Speaker (President) |
| Audra Owen, Deputy Speaker |
| Sherry Daigle – Secretary / Treasurer |
Eldawik held a Sweetgrass Ceremony in July at Peggy's Cove. The group was shown what and how to pick and preserve the Sweetgrass for the next generation. For a period of time the group slowly became inactive.
In 2003 Michele Graveline became the interim President to help Eldawik back on its feet. Our doors almost closed in May due to severe lack of new membership. The Provincial office of The Confederacy of Nova Scotia Métis sent down key members to help rejuvenate the group by holding elections and votes and giving the group a sense of direction. Michele Graveline was Vice-President for only three months. By September 18, 2003 A complete Board of Directors is elected.
| 2003 Board |
| Audra Owen, Speaker (President) |
| Daphne Willamson, Secretary |
| Lorraine Hall, Treasurer |
| Two Captains of the Hunt: Tom Daigle and David Muise |
To date with the By-laws in place for Eldawik we are once again registering new members. Crafts and Native teachings are taught to our children and adults. We have many goals for the Members of Eldawik. We will always be proud to be Métis in Nova Scotia. Currently we meet in Community Rooms at either Sobeys, or Superstore. Regular meetings are held in the middle of the month or when the Community Rooms are available.
Eldawik has been re-vitalized and active since August 26, 2003.
September 19, 2003 - a day to be long remembered in Métis history
The Supreme Court of Canada rules 9-0, that the Métis People have the same rights as the First Nations to hunt and fish without permits in or out of season. We Métis, have always practiced responsible hunting and fishing for our food needs. We also waste as little as possible of the animal or fish. Animals are not for sport, greed and selfishness. Traditions teaches that we hunt only the male animal of the species, not the female, because only the female can produce more of their kind. Our Elders teach us, wait till mating season is over and you will be rewarded. We honor our Creator’s works by not taking whatever we want, we can experience the Creator's gifts each year. Every time we take anything from Mother Earth such as plants, animals, birds....whatever, we give her an offering, such as tobacco, or a mixture of herbs along with a prayer of thanks.