HIAWATHA FIRST RESPONSE MEMBERS RECEIVE HIGHEST HONOUR
Hiawatha First Nation, ON – The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) was privileged to attend a celebration of 10 years of First Response in the Hiawatha First Nation community on September 12, 2011. First Responders were presented with Eagle Feathers for their commitment and service to their community.
The celebratory and often emotionally-charged event was well organized. Special guests Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo, AIAI Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish, Member of Provincial Parliament Jeff Leal, Otonabee-South Monaghan Township (O-SMT) Fire Chief Ted Bryon, O-SMT Reeve Dave Nelson, O-SMT Councilor Marion Burton, and Deputy Ontario Chief Coroner Bert Lauwers both attended and addressed the gathering.
In 10 years, Hiawatha’s First Response team has grown from 6 to 12 members. Response times have dramatically been reduced; precious time that is critical in emergency situations. Chief Moore stated, “Hiawatha's First Response Team has responded to almost every home in our community over the decade they've been active.”
Community members recounted moving personal experiences with the First Responders when presenting them with an Eagle Feather. The presentation of the Eagle Feather is the highest honour the community could bestow upon their First Response team members. Deputy Grand Chief Stonefish provided a traditional teaching on the significance and care that each of the recipients would need to provide for this sacred item. “Each of these First Responders is unquestionably deserving of this honour.”
The theme of the celebration was building relationships, something that Hiawatha has done with the surrounding communities for a long time. Specifically, the partnership with O-SMT was acknowledged.
As was apparent throughout the evening, the community was grateful for all that the First Response team has done over the years. “Honouring them with Eagle Feathers tonight is the right thing to do”, stressed Chief Moore. “The community is so appreciative of all they do."
AIAI is mandated as a political territorial organization to defend and enhance the Aboriginal and Treaty rights of its eight member First Nations. Their website may be visited at www.aiai.on.ca . | 
