True North Strong and Cree

“Are you going to replace that flag?” My wife’s words in reference to our nation’s flag on our garage that was wind and sun worn, tattered and red turned pink. “Not until I start feeling proud of it again,” my knee jerk response. She knew where I was coming from, she knew I felt badly about the news that had come out about the ‘schools and the graves.’ I trust every Canadian knows what I’m referring to.

Enough of that for now. I used that lead in to let you know that I had the honour to be the patron for Nathaniel Bosum into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The induction, held in Montreal in November of 2022, was actually for the class of 2020 but had been postponed – you know why. Nathaniel, a top Pro motocross and snow cross racer, is the first Indigenous person to be inducted into this illustrious alumni; truly a historic occasion. Sadly, this induction was posthumous as Nathaniel passed away after crashing at a local regional event in 2018. He was two years past his retirement from the Pro ranks and was just out for the fun of it. He was just 27 when we lost him.

Shortly before Nathaniel’s retirement he had ventured into business as an economic development officer after attaining a degree from Dawson College in Montreal. Applying the same tenacity and determination that took him to the top ranks in his chosen motorsports, Nathaniel had a very successful and promising start to his next step in life.

As Nathaniel’s patron it was my responsibility to make sure the CMHoF was forwarded as much information as possible about the inductee, so I had numerous phone conversations and emails with Nathaniel’s father Abel Bosum. The CMHoF manager Vada Seeds told me that in the years she’s been in charge she has never had such a prompt and extensive response to her requests.

In one of my talks with Abel I asked if the Cree would consider donating something for the silent auction held in conjunction with the inductions and banquet. The silent auction plays a part in funding the CMHoF and we are blessed with the support of the motorcycle industry and sports with donations to that end. What I anticipated from Nathaniel’s band was perhaps some Cree indigenous artwork or maybe a framed photo of our subject in action on his KTM. Instead, their response was absolutely overwhelming. Nathaniel’s Ouje Bougoumou Cree Nation donated a four day all expenses paid fishing excursion into Cree territory, valued at $15,000! The largest donation the CMHoF has ever received and available to the highest bidder. Also up for bids and following shortly after the first gift came a second as the Cree Nation of Mistissini offered a shorter trip valued at $5000.00! These both in honour of Nathaniel, a celebration of life of a great Cree warrior; ‘eeyouistchee’ (from Cree land).

Sadly, Nathaniel’s mother passed away two years ago and did not get to see her beloved youngest son inducted into the CMHoF. She would have been very proud. I know the family and friends of Nathaniel who occupied a complete table at the induction were beaming with pride, their smiles and brimming eyes bore proof.

When Nathaniel was five years of age he was taken to Montreal to see a supercross race and it was that early exposure that ignited a flame within that just a few years later would see him in competition. His skill and determination to improve soon saw him a faster and more talented motor jockey than his older brothers Curtis and Reggie. “We could see very early, when he was nine or ten, that Nathaniel on a motocross bike had something special,” recalls his father, Abel. “But we knew if he was to achieve the next levels he would need some professional assistance.” To that end Abel hired a physical trainer and perhaps more importantly a psychologist. The physical demands of this sport are obvious, but it is often that the difference between a successful outing and otherwise is ‘between the ears.’ The infusion of professional advice and coaching made a big difference. “Nathaniel matured very quickly after that,” his father confirmed. “He became very focused from then on, and his results improved, he was always looking to improve, to get faster and better.” Illustration of faster and better is a heat race win beating his hero Jean Sebastien Roy and constantly riding at or near the front of the pack.

Nathaniel accepted his role as an ambassador for the sport of motocross and perhaps more importantly, an ambassador for the Cree Nation and all indigenous people. The whole of the Cree Nation takes great pride in his accomplishments on and off track and he is a role model not only for their youth but all young people regardless of heritage.

The CMHoF had changed logos this past year and they had two large banners with the old logo that had been used at past ceremonies. We offered one of those to the Cree and they warmly accepted it and had their photo taken on stage with the banner fronting them. The CMHoF banner will be on display in the new community centre the Cree are building and I have a new flag on the garage. IM

Maple Ridge Motorsports 20430 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge, BC 877-546-6384 mapleridgemotorsports.com

Burnaby Kawasaki 7771 Edmonds St. Burnaby, BC 604-525-9393 burnabykawasaki.com

Fast Track Powersports 3418 Catherine Street Dorchester, ON 519-268-8429 fasttrackpowersports.ca

Grand River Powersports 1264 Colborne St. East Brantford, ON 519-759-8140 grandriverpowersports.ca

Wighty’s Repairs Inc. 122 Huron Rd Hwy 8 Mitchell, ON 519-348-0404 wightysrepairs.com