Pearl Lorentzen

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader

“Treaty Days for Bigstone Cree Nation has been getting bigger and better every year …,” says Bigstone Chief Andy Alook. “In a growing nation, we continue to celebrate our treaty in the knowledge of what it is.”

Treaty Days were Aug. 13, in Calling Lake, and Aug. 14 and 15, in Wabasca, with the people Chipewyan Lake attending in Wabasca, because of the wildfire evacuation.

Both events started with parades through the community, these photos are from Wabasca. Disney Summer Fun was the theme for Wabasca parade, and various characters were present.

The free event was open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. People learned about the treaty, Bigstone and other support services, and took part in various fun activities. The M.D. of Opportunity had a float and industry sponsored the suppers.

On Aug. 14, it start with a pipe ceremony at 8 a.m. and went all day. There was free food, jigging contests, fiddling music, a concert, teepee village, target shooting, nail pounding, log sawing, dodge ball, gaming station, corn hole, children games, bouncy houses, children’s midway, horseshoes, hand games bean-bag toss, strongman/woman competition, crib tourney, caterpillar race, scavenger hunt, NHL ’25 tourney (for 18 to 30 year olds), and youth golf day (13 to 17 year olds).

On Friday, the list was similar, with some additions: a home run derby, kayak race, a plank race, talent show, battle of the bands, glowsticks, and fireworks.

During all three days of the events Bigstone members could collect their annuity payments and Bigstone Communmity and Public Health held immunization clinics.

Bigstone council continues to negotiate for better annuity payments, says Chief Alook.