Gchi-Waaswaaganing

Gchi waaswaaganing

In 2016 Gchi-Waaswaganing opened off highway 17 in partnership with the Town of Marathon. Located in the lodge of the old ski hill, “Gchi-Waa” quickly became a community gathering space for ceremonies, events, workshops, and selling the work of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Artisans. In Anishinaabemowin Gchi-Waaswaganing means “big torch” or possibly “big light. ” When seeking a name, Florinda Christianson and Liz Michano gave an offering and gift to Elder Myra Michano. Myra sat on her couch and patiently listened to the vision of what the centre would be and how it would solidify a partnership between Biigtigong and the Town of Marathon, and act as a beacon for visitors travelling through our territory. A few days later, she called Florinda and Liz, laughing because “Biigtigong was always friends with Marathon, and this partnership wasn’t ‘new’ but simply more official. ”
She told a story of how the people of Biigtigong and Marathon would all meet at the harbour to fish. They would fish with stakes that had lights, the lights would attract the fish, and then they would share what was caught. “We always made sure the fish that was caught was shared with our Elders, ” Myra told them. The name Gchi-Waaswaganing was therefore given to honour the beautiful relationship with the Town of Marathon that still continues.