Summer games heating up

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The 1994 Saskatchewan Indian Summer Games are being held at this northern Saskatchewan community in a move to bring new confidence to the youth.

More than 1,500 participants are expected in the track and field, softball, soccer, slow-pitch and demonstration sport competitions during the July 25-29 games.

Chief Roy Bird said the games will feature two new demonstration sports - archery and Tae Kwon Do, a martial arts sport. The newly elected band chief credited his predecessor, former Chief Ed Henderson with successfully negotiating the bid for the 1994 games.

Bird accepted a cheque for $20,000 from Vice Chief Eugene Arcand of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations June 13 toward preparations for the summer extravaganza.

Bird said Elders, women, youth and other band members have been discussing how to treat youth and how to offer them a better future. The games are one step in that process.

There are 2,300 Montreal Lake/Little Red band members and most are involved in hosting the games or preparing the sites.

The Little Red reserve is a part of the Montreal Lake band holdings but is located approximately 60 kilometres south of the main reserve.

An 800 metre track, soccer pitches and softball diamonds have been prepared at Montreal Lake. Between 40 and 50 members of the Little Red Reserve has been trained to provide security at the games. They will be empowered under changes to the Indian act to search and seize vehicles to keep any drugs and alcohol from the games.

A role model program will be a major part of the games, emphasizing the role of the Elders in Cree culture.

Elders will be available throughout the games at the tipi village and participating in the presentation of the games. Aborignal professionals from many fields will be attending the games and taking time to chat with interested youths.