James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson perform the handover of the sacred lance. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

athleticism

Opening ceremony marks start of Tony Cote Summer Games

Aug 11, 2024 | 8:52 PM

The sacred lance has been handed over and the torch has been lit, marking the start of the Tony Cote Summer Games hosted by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB).

The opening ceremonies were held at Senator Myles Venne School on Sunday and featured the arrival of thousands of athletes, coaches, support staff and families from First Nations across Saskatchewan. It featured the arrival of the Lance Runners, speeches by dignitaries, as well as the lighting of the torch.

Canada’s Got Talent winner and Black Lake Denesuline First Nation member Rebecca Strong was also in attendance to sing O Canada, as well as hold a short performance to end the ceremony.

“It is a great honour to stand here today as we gather to celebrate the extraordinary spirit, determination and talent of Saskatchewan First Nations youth,” LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said in her welcoming speech.

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“We are coming together, not for just competition, but also to celebrate community, culture and excellence.”

Cook-Searson explained the Games are an opportunity to share who the people of Northern Saskatchewan are. She noted through the Games, young athletes build confidence, character and resilience, and they will learn lessons that will extend far beyond the fields, tracks and courts.

She added they are shaping the leaders for tomorrow.

“Sports builds the character of young people as they challenge themselves this week,” Cook-Searson said.

Athletes of the Tony Cote Summer Games hosted by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Dignitaries gathered for a photo following the lighting of the torch. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Rebecca Strong sang O Canada and held a short performance. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron took the opportunity to thank all of the First Nations that sent athletes to compete. He mentioned the Tony Cote Summer Games are a chance for athletes to train for the North American Indigenous Games in 2027.

“To the chief and councils that brought your athletes here, the greatest investment by far are our little ones and that’s what we are doing here today as a collective body, as a federated sovereign Indigenous nation,” Cameron said.

“Play hard, have fun, be humble in victory, be humble in defeat. On behalf of the FSIN … we love you all, we respect you all, thank you.”

Athletes will compete in a variety of events, including athletics, archery, canoeing/kayaking, beach volleyball, golf, soccer, and softball held in Air Ronge, La Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band reserve land.

The Games are being held until Aug. 16, and aside from sports, a cultural village will occur downtown La Ronge and feature an attempt on Wednesday to host the world’s largest fish fry. Nearby LLRIB communities will also be hosting events like trips to Nistowiak Falls, the Churchill River and the historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com