Guide to Indian Country - June, 2005 Wikwemikong celebrates with cultural festival First Nations committee to successful summer games Riel's life celebrated Kasabonika catches the eye of tourists Crown-maker says beading is her medicine Centennial event celebrates history of Cypress Hills Arctic cruises provide unique experience Trail leads back to Batoche

WINDSPEAKER'S ABORIGINAL TOURISM SUPPLEMENT Phone: (780) 455-2700Fax (780) 455-7639 Email: edwind@ammsa.com Kasabonika catches the eye of tourists By Crystal Morton, Windspeaker Contributor Since the northern Ontario community of Kasabonika First Nation purchased the Straight Lake Camping resort three years ago, a number of renovations have been completed to ensure visitors to the resort have a comfortable stay and catch some very large fish. "This is built on traditional land," explained Deputy Chief Eno H. Anderson about the location of the camp, which is about 400 kilometres north of Thunder Bay along the Ashewig River. "The camp, the buildings, are right above the rapids. From there you can view the rapids and the lake. The water is clear and fresh and you can fish right from the shore in the evenings." People who visit the isolated fishing spot are flown into the community and can choose to either spend a night in Kasabonika and leave for the resort in the morning, or they can head out on the three-hour boat ride directly following their arrival to the area. Either way, Anderson said, the boat trip out to the facility is an eye-opening experience for tourists who are not accustomed to the landscape of Northern Ontario. "They can fish on the way or take photos," Anderson said, saying the lake is about four miles long and completely straight. Last summer, a group of Minnesota tourists were the first visitors to visit the location since Kasabonika began caring for it. Anderson said this group, composed of about six individuals, were taken through the river's rolling rapids to some of the best fishing in northern Ontario. An experienced guide from the community accompanied them. "The rivers are rough and you have to have an experienced guide," explained Anderson, adding the number of guides who go out with a group depends on the number of tourists who are staying at the facility. Taken out on a 16-foot motorized aluminum boat, tourists get to catch and release various species of fish, including walleye, jack fish and speckled trout. Anderson said cast fishing allows people to enjoy the outdoors while waiting for a fish to bite. "When you turn off the motor, it's so peaceful there," he said about those moments out on the water. The community is also looking at clearing another passage that will provide access to one of the spots known for an abundance of speckled trout. The area can only be reached now by going through the rough water. "I think the majority of the tourists are looking for speckled trout," Anderson said. The group from Minnesota didn't mind the rapids and, in fact, they had such a wonderful trip last year they are scheduled to return this summer. The log facility can currently accommodate up to eight people and offers running water, electricity and comfortable sleeping quarters. "It's very well maintained," said Anderson. Once the tourists begin coming to the camp more frequently, the community will be looking at expanding the facility. For more information or for booking, contact Kasabonika Community Development Corporation at 1-807-535-2547, ext. 264. Ask for Kelly Winter or Ken Albany. Or e-mail kena@kasabonika.ca.