our problems like everyone else, so we had to take the ball and run with it."
RESOURCESUsing a combination of available government grants, as well as various
fundraising efforts in the community, they established a means of supporting
ongoing economic and social activities. In doing so, they met their short-term
objectives, while continuing to work toward keeping their long-term goal at the
forefront of any plans. Keeping their goal at the forefront has reinforced the
strength of the Associations work over the years.
1983-88: MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS1983: The idea of collaborating on a cookbook based on wild game was developed
as a fundraising project. Canadian Employment and Immigration approved the
project as a training program. (PG NOTE: for Americans, this is similar to CETA
and JTPA). Six women were hired to collect the recipes from native and rural
sources. The result was 2000 recipes originating from all over Ontario. The Wild
Game Feast was held to promote further fundraising. Promotion of the Native
Heritage Cookbook was increased. As a result, the cookbook was published on a
national scale.1984: The first of thee cookbooks was published. The Lovesick Lake Native
Women's Association records reveal that their sales realized $57,000. The
cookbook has proven to be a large part of the Association's fundraising fforts. A
provincial environmental grant was also received. This, with some work with the
Ministry of Natural Resources, enabled the Lovesick Lake Native Women's
Association to negotiate land for use as a small summer camp. Am interim
measure to allow the association to gain mujch needed experience, as well as
administration knlwledge towards their efforts that would be required in their
work with the youth camp plans for the future.1985: A major survey of 25 communities was conducted to support the Native
Heritage Camp as a viable project. As a result of the survey, the Provincial
Ministry of Citizenship granted $250,000 the initial site development and land
purchase for the camp. Increased credibility and an excellent public relations
between the Lovesick Lake Native Women's Association and other organizations
helpeed the project move along.
PRESENTThe Association purchased 247 acres on the Missisaugua River, and site
development has commenced. Employment is a direct result for the community,
and the Association now operates out of the (camp) administration building. Camp
Tuc Qua Shin, meaning "He or she comes" is reflective of all the people who
helped get this project off the ground. The Lovesick Lake Native Women'sNative Foods -- Lovesick Lake Ladies
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