Duck Lake

A Spectacular, Once-in-a-Lifetime Attraction

By Jeannine Piche
The celebration started early in the afternoon at the school, which held its Family Day so parents could be there to help with the planned activities such as hockey, skiing, skating at the local arena and horse-drawn sleigh rides. There was a great feeling of excitement and joy as the time approached for the Torch to arrive. The warm weather was a real asset as a capacity crowd awaited the Torch’s arrival.

The crowd broke into cheers and flags madly waved as the cavalcade approached with the First Torchbearer being a local gentleman-Leo Guigon. We then gathered at the high school for the official welcome, which started with the Blessing of the Flame in Cree by our Honourary Elder Firekeeper-Kenneth Seeseequasis. Mayor Denis Poirier then greeted the Relay Team on behalf of the community.

The cavalcade then had refreshments and the Flame was then passed to the next Torch bearer, Viola Yanik (from Saskatoon). The Relay continued with Constable Robin Cameron while the Education Complex Drummers performed. The next two Torchbearers were Roy Hanson (Saskatoon) and Kent Hartshorn (Saskatoon) who passed the Flame to Métis elder Rose Fleury, who made her lap in a horse-drawn wagon. The drummers and dancers performed on Front Street as the cavalcade left.

The celebration continued at the Belle-a-Drome with a Chili/Soup/Bannock Supper. The Constable Robin Education Complex Grade 8 Hoop Troop enthralled the audience with intricate dance movements as they portrayed such natural elements as birds, butterflies, eagles and flowers with the hoops and dance steps. Paul Pilon then provided entertainment with Karaoke.

It was a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime attraction.