Hair cut raises money for juvenile diabetes

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Dylan Dale raised more than $1,500 for the Union of Ontario Indians Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation team with a hair cut.

It takes a lot of courage for Dylan to cut his hair and to grow it," said Perry McLeod-Shabogesic, who gave teachings at the Jan. 16 event to staff and students at Ferris Glen Public School. Many people mistook him for a girl or ridiculed him for growing his hair."

McLeod-Shabogesic said hair for Anishinaabe represents strength. It's only cut in times of mourning or in modern times, giving the hair to someone in need.

When you see a person with long hair from any culture -- you know there's some sort of meaning behind growing the long hair. In Anishinaabe culture, we believe that our hair is an extension of our bodies. The Creator gave us this hair and it was meant to be grown. We didn't cut it for no reason," said McLeod-Shabogesic.

There are only few times when an Anishinaabe would cut their hair. One of those times is during the first four days of mourning. Even today we cut our hair when a close family member passes on and offer that hair to a fire. It's a way that we can help the spirit along its journey.

This is a more modern way of taking your hair and donating it for a good cause."

Dylan is a citizen of Couchiching First Nation and both of his parents -- Karen Linklater and Dave Dale -- were at the event to support their son.

Dylan said that he wanted to cut his hair," said his dad. I suggested to him that he donate the hair to charity and raise some money for a good cause."

The importance of getting involved with community service was an important message given to the students of Ferris Glen.

Dylan donated his hair to Angel Hair for Kids where it will be made into a wig so that a child who has lost their hair from a burn or due to the effects of cancer drugs can have hair.