100 year Treaty Five Commemoration

The 100 Year Treaty Five Commemoration took off with many preparations and events planned for both the staff of Keewaytinook Okimakanak and working together with Deer Lake First Nation Chief and Council and members of the community.  (See the Pictures)  KO staff stayed in accommodations and some staff camped out on Treaty Point.  June 9, 2010 started with breakfast, canoes paddling to Treaty Point, Arrival of Canoes.  Under the tent MC Ross Mamakeesic started off with introducing the Grade 2&3 Daily Prayer and O'Canada sung beautifully in OjiCree, following this was the Grand Opening with prayer K4 students.  Introduction of Elders then the summative history of unveiling of a 100 year commemorative plaque, then a summative history of 100 year commemorative plaque.  Opening and welcoming remarks from Chief Roy Dale Meekis, Treaty Five Chiefs, KO Chiefs, Sandy Lake following speeches from NAN Grand Chief, Stan Beardy and Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, Leigh Jessen, Acting Regional Director General for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Ontario Region, Ministry of Northern Aboriginal Affairs, Minister Bentley, leader of Ontario NDP Andrea Howarth & MPP Kenora Rainy River, Howard Hamton. Appearances made by the Lieutenant Govenor's wife, Mrs.  Ruth Ann Onley.  Chief Randy Meekis, Deer Lake Deputy Chief, Randy Meekis gave his closing remarks.  A presentation of gifts presented by  the Ministry of Natural Resources, then the ribbon cutting ceremony at the health centre providing a open house at the nursing station.  Commemoration festivities were wrestling, walleye dinner was served with music then later in the evening jigging.