What's in a name?

Mary-Anne.. Bobby-Lynn.. Mary-Kate.. Tommy-Lee.. Amy-Leigh.. Mary-Lou.. Mary-Margret.. Anna-Beth..
These are some examples of Two-word names, also known as double-barrelled names, are names that consist of two separate words, often BUT NOT ALWAYS hyphenated, used together as a single name.

And the newest addition?

NicholasLiam

Many have been wondering the story behind our Pear Bear's name..

Nicholas is Jeremy's middle name (surprise!)
Liam is one of the funniest, tallest, and first [male] friends I made working at GT in Kingston. He is a very valued friend to me and we went through thick n thin together! He has never judged me, never misunderstood me and always taken my side when work was hard. Some friends gravitate towards you naturally and you couldn't see your life without their friendship in it. Liam and I have never lost touch and we check up on each other frequently. He truly is a valued friend and I wish him all the best in his rising careers and life! We also took the same SLC IMC program years apart. Small world!
(Also who doesn't like the name Liam?)

Anderson is for one of the greatest men to touch my heart in my time in Kingston. Another GT coworker, he has gone through alot with me and taught me so much more. You cant always pick your family but Harry will always be family to me through hell or high water. When times were tough and work was hard to was always an ear to listen, a good judge and a wise friend. I couldn't get through a shift without him or Liam with me. I'm always thankful for the time we worked together and the shenanigans we had. I'm always happy to hear how he is doing and am so proud to have named my son after him and Liam.

Brown is Jeremy's Family Last name. To put it simpler it is the Western version of their name. The real family name is Mishakaameyashinoonini. The best translation of this is "people of (or who come from) water" from what my husband could learn. For those who do not know Jeremy is First Nations Anishinaabe and in Wapekeka First Nation they speak OjiCree.

And of course he has other last names known from My Side of the family. His Polish/Ukraine/German side and my Grenadian side (don't forget everyone I was adopted haha!) Pommer is from my German grandfather's side of my family and Haleshewski is from my Polish/Ukraine Nana's side of my family. 

Maybe one day my son will want to visit the Caribbean and see Grenada where his mom comes from..
Or visit the Ukraine or Poland to see where his Great Nana and great Aunts came from..
My son could wish to learn German like his Great grandpa..
Perhaps he will one day be fluent in OjiCree like his dad..
NicholasLiam has a big varied family any many options in life, and i am very glad.

But for now I can't wait for my son to meet his namesakes one day soon. All three of these men are so dear to me and I want my son to grow up to know his name, the men behind it and be proud of it. Your name is unique to you and your personality, your character and your heart. And my son definitely is one of a kind with a one of a kind name. I love him.

Please help Rez Dogs get a Vet Clinic in Wapekeka

Our amazing Nursing staff have orchestrated our first ever vet clinic for this year but it's going to take a lot to make happen! We are trying to raise as much money as we can to cover the veterinary staff, airfare, accommodations and everything else needed for these amazing caring people to come help our rez dogs!

But not only that I want to help make a surplus to help families who don't have the funds to get their dogs the help or spay/neuter they need once the vets come. Not every family has the means to always help their pets so I am asking for your help.

A bag of 8kg pet food can cost around $150.00CAD up North. A round trip plane ticket from Wasaya airways from Wapekeka to Sioux Lookout costs UP to $1,912.00 if you need to bring your pet out to find a veterinarian. Not every family has that much disposable income to use for their animals. Most dogs end up spending their whole lives outside, with their owners or strangers giving them food, having their puppies outside, their puppies have to survive and grow up outside and when a dog is in heat there are too many dogs to keep from fighting. Not to mention other methods of "population control" that have circulated the news recently..

Our nursing staff, other volunteers around the community and locals have been amazing helping to care for dogs and ship them out to vets and adoption agencies. But they need help and they need funds. ANY and all donations would be greatly appreciated! With your help we can aid alot of good pets. Please consider helping Wapekeka-Angling Lake First Nations and our pets at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rez-dogs-get-a-vet-clinic-in-wapekeka

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT REZ DOGS by Isaac Murdoch [https://saverezdogs.com/resources/rezdogmedicine]

1. They are not mutts and have been apart of our communities for thousands of years. They are 100% Indigenous and deserve our utmost respect. Just because they dont have papers, doesnt mean they are not amazing. Indian dogs are a very speacial breed that need our protection.
2. They can gaurd our lodges and eat any bad medicine or evil that may be lurking in our villages. Tie a tobacco tie onto the back of its neck and ask it to seek out any danger in this manner. Many tribes believe their job is protect our lodge doorways from a distance. This is why when one comes into our ceremonies, its known as a bad omen. Something bad has come to the village. Pay attention to them, they are messengers.
3. They are star gazers and know the celestrial map that hangs over our heads. Because of this, they also know the future and can tell us the dangers that lie ahead. They know where the bad ice is and when storms are coming. Watch them celebrate when good things happen too. Oh, they also know what medicines to eat when they are sick. They can teach us stuff.
4. They know our languages. For thousands of years they heard our language. They know it inside and out. Make offerings to them and pray that the languages come back strong. Never underestimate the spiritual power of a rez dog. Like never ever. Some believe our ancestors will come visit us as a dog. You will notice them. They will have human eyes and act like old souls. Cherish them always and seek their council.
5. When we treat them well, they give us back ten times the love and respect. They are so loyal and solid they will die to save our life. Also, when they are lil puppies, find one you admire and spit in its mouth. Through this ceremonial act, a sacred bond will be made and you will have a new best friend who will always be there for you. #RezDogMedicine