JAMES SMITH CREE NATION — James Smith Cree Nation is acknowledging those that helped the community and its members during and after a series of fatal stabbings.
The acknowledgement will take place during the opening ceremonies of the FSIN Traditional Health Gathering, being held Aug. 21 to 24 at the main tent within the cultural grounds, located on the gravel road past the James Smith Cree Nation Band Office.
Among those being acknowledged for helping after the Sept. 4, 2022 tragedy are the RCMP, STARS Saskatchewan, paramedics, volunteers, Rio Tinto, banks, businesses, local government, other First Nations governments and donors.
The first day of the FSIN Traditional Health Gathering will start at 9:30 a.m. with a grand entry and flag raising ceremony. The Digging Bear Drum Group will perform at 10:00 a.m.
Opening remarks will come from the Master of Ceremonies Lawrence Joseph and Sheldon Wuttunee. Other dignitaries that will be there are:
- James Smith Cree Nation Chief Wally Burns
- FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron
- FSIN First Vice-chief David Pratt
- PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte
There will also be greetings from the federal and provincial governments.
The acknowledgement will take place around 11 a.m. It will come from James Smith Cree Nation Chief Wally Burns, Peter Chapman Chief Robert Head, Chakastaypasin Chief Calvin Sanderson
The FSIN Traditional Health Gathering has various speakers that include Ethan Bear, who is a proud member of the Ochapowace First Nation in Treaty 4. He is a Team Canada gold medalist and currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks and will be speaking about his journey to the NHL.
Also speaking is Brigitte Lacquette who is a proud member of the Cote First Nation and was the first Indigenous women to be named to Canada's National women’s team when she played in the 2018 Canadian Olympics. Brigitte will speak about her journey playing hockey and her experience being the first indigenous woman to play on Canada’s Olympic hockey team.
The FSIN Traditional Health Gathering is a free event for all First Nations.
