August 2, 2012 by Wawatay News

PM#0382659799

Country music star has Creefest jumping PAGE 18

Major drug bust puts dent in oxy supply PAGE 3

Vol. 39 No. 23

Wabun gathering gives youth a taste of culture PAGE 13 9,300 copies distributed $1.50

August 2, 2012 Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

www.wawataynews.ca

Rocking Sandy Lake

Honouring traditions Pays Plat brings culture to life Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Christian Quequish/Wawatay News

Bruthers of Different Muthers lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player Donovan Mojopin, of Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba, rocked Sandy Lake First Nation during its 30th annual Muddy Water Music Festival. See story and more photos on page 11.

Traditional teachings continue to attract people from far and wide to Pays Plat First Nation, which held its fifth cultural teachings week from July 23-26. “We were here last year and we really enjoyed the hospitality,” said Elsie Bissallion, an Elder from Serpent River who has been following the powwow trail in the region. “It was just great so we came back.” Bissallion found this year’s women’s hand drumming workshop to be “very beneficial.” “A lot of people came out that night,” Bissallion said. “I am sure the creator was pleased to see us all there hand drumming and I know

the spirits were there with us because you could feel that vibe when the drums were going.” Susan Pranteau and her family decided to stop in for some of the cultural teachings on July 25 as they were passing through on their way to Toronto. “It was very informative and I found it helped to understand things a lot better,” Pranteau said. “We have all our kids with us and we are trying to help them understand our ways. There is a little guy here who came and hugged everybody and the kids were kind of shocked because they don’t really know him, but we told them that is the way we are.” See Pays Plat on page 12

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 

                           

                              

                                                                      See page 10

Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

The 10th annual Creefest brought people from Cree communities along James Bay together for a celebration that featured music, good food and fun times. See story in English on page 10.

Summer Festival season is here! Here are just some of the exciting events happening around the North this Summer:

Blueberry Festival Aug 3-12 in Sioux Lookout CLE Family Fair Aug 8-12 in Thunder Bay KI Homecoming Aug 6-11 in Big Trout Lake Michikan Lake Homecoming Aug 17-27 in Bearskin Lake

Call Wasaya for availability and specials! 1.877.492.7292 • www.wasaya.com