Minutes: PaBIA Directors’ Meeting Friday June 23, 2023
at The Ojibway Club, Pointe au Baril
Directors present: Dave Sharpe, Mark Gwozdecky, Mike Berton, Hilde Clark, Elise Findlay, Trudy Irvine, Michael Phippen, Lloyd Posno, Nancy Rogers, Mary Thomson.
Unable to attend: Cath Fairlie, Katie Findlay.
Land Acknowledgment
The Board of the Pointe au Baril Islanders’ Association acknowledges that our cottages are located in the traditional and treaty territory of the Shawanaga First Nation, which belongs to the larger Anishnabek Nation which stretches east from the Prairies across much of Ontario, and along the northern shores of all the Great Lakes. The Anishnabek Nation is comprised of peoples of the Algonquin, Saulteaux, Anishnabe (Ojibway), Odawa, Chippewa nations as well as others.
We acknowledge the rights of the Anishnabek as legally recognized in the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, the foundation upon which the sovereign peoples of these lands, waters and air would build a common relationship. We express our gratitude and respect to the Anishnabek for their relationship to nature and their care for this place. We are committed to listening, learning and understanding what role we can play in honouring these relationships, and in how we conduct ourselves today and henceforth.
Updates
As a result of removal from the Limestone Islands of some large sections of fossils, PaBIA will include in upcoming e-blasts for those visiting there (and GBLT properties as well) “remove nothing” reminders.
New legislation related to Floating Cottages was just announced but the complete formal wording was not yet available. There will be follow-up reporting in e-blasts as full information is received.
A new diving board at the Ojibway for Camp use as well as PaBIA Regattas is expected to be in place.
Michael Phippen has purchased a new shotgun to be used for starting races at both Junior and Senior Regattas. A supply of blank shells will be obtained.
There is some progress being made on the Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-Law reviews by the Township of the Archipelago.
Bobcat of Parry Sound has reported that several members have taken advantage of the discount offered for Honda firepump accessories.
Michael Phippen has information on a variety of dollies used for mounting firepumps and equipment making them more easily transportable. Information on these will be published early in July.
The winners of the 2022 PFD “Always On, Always Safe” campaign have received their prizes: Alex Wiseman – a kayak donated by Swift Canoe; Cynthia Solecki – a barbecue donated by Desmasdon’s.
10 new permanent markers have been ordered and will be delivered to Desmasdon’s. Placement locations will be determined by Member Safety Director, Cath Fairlie and Marker Chair, Tom Cavers.
Marine Patrol
Dave Sharpe and Randy Johnson have been the MP trainers for the first week, with 2023 Patrollers Abby Mackle and Alex Wiseman. Mark Gwozdecky organized the detailed schedule including ‘outside’ personnel who assist with the training e.g. GBLT for the reporting on their properties.
During the summer, all the details of the MP program, its services and expenses will be reviewed.
Marine Patrol Supervisor Position
Emma Berton has volunteered to take the Marine Patrol Supervisor position. Emma is well qualified as a past Patroller and Assistant Supervisor. She is currently on the GBB staff and is able to assist with the training and take over as Supervisor.
Environment Portfolio Director Position Dave Sharpe
Emma Manners (a Marine Patroller in 2022) has volunteered to take over as Environment Director following Michael Phippen’s term which ends at the 2023 AGM.
MOTION: to nominate Emma Manners as PaBIA Director, Environment Portfolio as of the 2023 AGM and to nominate Emma Berton as Marine Patrol Supervisor as of June 23, 2023. Seconded, Michael Phippen. Carried.
Mike Berton noted that past Marine Patrollers’ training and experiences of the summer jobs has led to further education and related employment. We should contact as many as possible to have them give us reports of both that could be used in our e-blasts to encourage more MP applications in future.
Georgian Bay Association
PaBIA currently has one representative for GBA leaving one position open.
Volunteer Appreciation
Hats with the PaBIA logo on the front and a volunteer recognition on the back have been made by North of Muskoka. A formal letter of thanks and a hat will be given to all the many volunteers who have served and continue to serve in PaBIA committee positions.
Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
PaBIA Committee Chairs & Volunteers and Guests joined the Board for lunch: Guest Speaker John Beaucage, David Anderson, Emma Berton, Helen Bryce, Tom Cavers, Helen Garber, Brad Honsberger, Janet Irving, Randy Johnson, Sandy McLaren and Andrew Vanderwal; Marine Patrollers Abby Mackle and Alexander Wiseman; Township of the Archipelago Reeve Bert Liverance, CAO John Fior, Ward 2 Councillor Peter Frost, Ward 3 Councillors Earl Manners and Scott Sheard; Bayfield-Nares Association President Anne Stewart; Georgian Bay Association President Liz Phillips and Executive Director Rupert Kindersley; Georgian Bay Biosphere Director of Lands and Waters David Bywater and Chair Peter Ashmore; Georgian Bay Forever Chair Terry Clark; Georgian Bay Land Trust Executive Director Bill Lougheed; Ojibway Club President John O’Connell; Ojibway Historical Preservation Society Legal Director Doug Barrett.
Following lunch, special Guest Speaker, John Beaucage was introduced by Mary Thomson. Post-presentation questions were led by Lloyd Posno at the conclusion of which Mary thanked Mr. Beaucage for his contributions to our understanding of these important historical and societal issues. On behalf of the PaBIA Board, Mary presented him with a copy of the book, “Georgian Bay: Discovering a Unique North American Ecosystem”, edited by Dr. Nick Eyles.
Summary of Presentation
Mr. Beaucage, who spent his early years in Shawanaga First Nation and has had a lifelong connection to Ontario and Georgian Bay. He is a band member of Wasauksing First Nation and resides in Parry Sound. Mr. Beaucage spoke for 45 minutes before taking questions. He provided an engaging high level summary of Indigenous history, culture and beliefs starting from pre-colonial days, continuing through the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities and other issues focused on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He highlighted the number of ways by which our Indigenous peoples have contributed to the development and growth of Canada as we now know it including helping settlers adapt to and survive in a harsh and unfamiliar environment and engaging in military service on behalf of the country.
Following his talk, Mr. Beaucage responded to formal questions for about another 30 minutes and then stayed and spoke with many of the audience until it was time to leave. In response to one question about what we can all do to further reconciliation with our Indigenous people, he observed that gestures showing respect to individuals and communities are the best way. This might be a simple as asking how someone is and genuinely enquiring what issues are of concern to them. Listening to the other person is key to reconciliation.
Mr. Beaucage’s visit and knowledge were well received and provided an excellent start to a learning process for our community.
Nancy Rogers
Recording Secretary