World class athletes, coaching staff and officials in Lac La Biche from Sept. 16-22 for the 2024 World Archery Field Championships not only participated in an international archery competition but they were also given an education about the rich Indigenous and Métis heritage of the region.
From the opening ceremonies that began with a Cree prayer by community elder Emma Rayko, to welcoming remarks by several of the region’s Indigenous leaders, and then cultural and community events during the week of competition, the Indigenous input was strong.
Joining Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov, World Archery officials and Lakeland Archers President Rene Schaub at Monday’s opening ceremonies were Heart Lake Cree Nation Chief Curtis Monias, Stan Delorme of the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement, Jason Ekeberg from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) and Lenoard Jackson, a band councillor from the Beaver Lake Cree Nation. The welcoming remarks from the dignitaries were said between traditional drum songs performed by a drum group from Heart Lake.
With 250 athletes from around the world, team officials and local visitors, Jackson started his speech with words in the Cree language before welcoming the athletes on behalf of Beaver Lake Cree Nation.
“We are very honoured to meet you,” Jackson said, joking that despite the importance of the bow and arrow in Indigenous history, there was no Cree word for “archery.”
Throughout the week, the athletes and the community were shown more of the Indigenous culture through displays, food, and gatherings.
A “Cultural Kaleidoscope” event that took place on Tuesday at the Lac La Biche Bold Center recreation facility showcased many parts of the Indigenous and local cultures.
The flags of each participating country were on display inside the building for the event, which drew a large group of locals and international visitors.
The cultural celebration got underway with a traditional grand entrance. A large crowd watched as Indigenous dancers dressed in colourful regalia made their way into the centre of the main fieldhouse inside the Bold Center.
Throughout the evening, locals and visitors were given the opportunity to view crafts and other traditional Indigenous items and speak with representatives from nearby communities and settlements.
Fran Ward, a resident of Saddle Lake, was part of the showcase with her husband, Clarence Ward, a traditional Indigenous singer who performed at the event.
We are here
When asked why the event is important from an Indigenous perspective, Ward said many non-Indigenous people, especially those from other countries, are not aware of the existence of Indigenous People in Canada or their culture, which dates back thousands of years.
“So, the fact that people think we don’t exist, we’re here to show them that we were here way before ‘Contact’. Way before Christopher Columbus got lost … we’ve been here on this land,” she told Lakeland This Week.
Ward continued by saying that the Kaleidoscope event was an opportunity to highlight the Indigenous culture of the area, and also to keep it alive by celebrating it with others. Watching as athletes took part in dances and demonstrations, she said it was good to see the knowledge being shared. It was also good to see the smiles.
“Some got to dance…some got to round dance…participate in it…you know you see some moving around…so I think it was good…I think they liked it,” she said.
One of those international archers mingling with locals – including father and daughter traditional Indigenous dancers Felix Lewis and Lyric Lewis from Beaver Lake – was Max Maggs from Aukland, New Zealand.
Maggs, who made the trip to Lac La Biche with his dad Adam, was impressed with the various cultures from the Lac La Biche region and the Indigenous pride on display.
“It’s amazing … I’ve never experienced anything like it,” he said, adding that he was happy to have learned so much about the culture.