For two weeks the Mackenzie Delta was host to 100th anniversary celebrations of Treaty 11, agreed to by handshake in 1921 in both Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson. Fashion shows and feasts accompanied lessons in traditional sewing, cooking and crafts. Live performances were held throughout both communities and people were happy to get out and enjoy a festival after the long year-and-a-half endured under the pandemic.
Julie and Phyllis Andre share a laugh as they clean Coney and cut it into strips at their camp in Tsiigehtchic, July 19. The pair were demonstrating their craft to anyone who came through the charter community. Eric Bowling/NNSL photo
Mia Blake models a pink parka in the fashion show. Contests and demonstrations were open to people of all ages. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Harmonie MacLeod practices her seaming skills as she takes part in a sewing demonstration July 20 in Tsiigehtchic. Demonstrations on traditional skills were held throughout the two weeks in both communities. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Charlene Blake prepares geese for cooking over open fire whilst John ‘Doodles’ Blake salivates patiently. Each night of the two celebrations was marked with a great feast. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
MLA Frederick Blake, Jr. cooks prepared geese over an open flame on July 20 in Tsiigehtchic. Many traditional foods were cooked at group cookouts throughout the week. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Dinah Blake models a parka, mukluks and hankie outfit by the late Annie Norbert, daughter of Chief Paul Niditchie, a signatory to Treaty 11 in July 26, 1921. Traditional fashion was on display on both the catwalk and around the community. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Shannon Furlong sings for the crowd in Fort McPherson even as the rain pours on July 25. Singers were competing for a grand prize of $800. Eric Bowling/NNSL photo
Former Mayor of Fort McPherson William Koe leads off the talent show with a set of two songs. Koe was one of 14 contestants for the show. Eric Bowling/NNSL photo
ENR firefighters Valerie Grenier and Matthew Poitras were kind enough to stop for a photo before they headed out for another day of protecting the hamlet from forest fires. Cool temperatures and light rain seemed to be helping them out during the week-long celebration. Eric Bowling/NNSL photo
Darby Robert and Keefer Francis row furiously as they pass the finish line during the mixed canoe races in Fort McPherson July 25. Spectators watched along the shoreline and enjoyed whitefish as races were held throughout the day. Eric Bowling/NNSL photo