Lac Seul celebrates treaty days

Lac Seul First Nation held a two-day event to celebrate their treaty days July 5 and 6.
There was something for everyone in Lac Seul, with treaty annuity payments happening on the first day. Youth came out to play games such as axe throwing and wood-sawing in the ball field, or jumping around in bouncy castles. There was ice hockey, various water games, games for Elders, and a feast on both days.
“I just want to thank all the people that made it happen: volunteers, staff and the membership,” said Chief Clifford Bull of Lac Seul. “It was truly a great two-day experience that everybody enjoyed, despite the bad weather, we had a lot of fun, excitement, entertainment.”
The treaty day celebrations featured the dancing talents of Sagkeeng’s Finest, a jigging group from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba.
The next day, despite rain, the community came together again to have more games, an annual general meeting, and a pig roast feast. After that, they all piled into Lac Seul’s new arena to watch a drag queen contest and a performance by Aboriginal comedian Don Burnstick.
“I was really pleased with Don Burnstick’s performance, he drew a big crowd, and it’s the first time I’ve seen the arena like that,” said Bull. “I think we can put 1,000 on one side, and 300 on the other side, so about 1,300 people.”
He said they didn’t fill to capacity, but it was close, and that people from outlying communities came that night.
About treaty day itself, Bull said it was about bringing everyone that belonged to Lac Seul together to visit, share, laugh, feast and celebrate the good things that have been happening in Lac Seul.
Burnstick, who hadn’t been to Lac Seul for at least eight years, said it was an exciting time.
“When our people come together like this, it shows an appreciation for our elders, but also teaches the young people: we need to come together and celebrate all of our accomplishments,” said Burnstick. “This community is doing really well for itself, and everybody’s talking about them, in a good way. It’s nice for a change, eh?”
Burnstick said Lac Seul people are good laughers, and that they have a unique sense of humour.
“Lac Seul people know how to laugh at themselves, and that’s the essence of what native humour is—we tease.”