Mistissini was hopping July 14-21 as the Eeyou Istchee Summer Games made a triumphant return for a fun-filled week of competition, culture and community. While the power of sports brought the Cree Nation together, participants were impressed that there was always something going on.
The host community earned the most medals, followed by Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou, Chisasibi, Washaw Sibi and MoCreebec. Although several communities unfortunately weren’t able to attend, organizers from Eeyou Istchee Sports and Recreation Association (EISRA) enabled the athletes present to join other events to avoid their cancellation.
Mistissini dominated EISG swimming events, including an impressive third place finish for 10-year-old Colton Voyageur over older teenagers in an open water competition out in the bay. Mistissini Chief Michael Petawabano was wowed by Chisasibi’s volleyball prowess while Waswanipi excelled on the track.
Waswanipi 15-year-old Madison Gull-Jolly won multiple gold medals in track and field, saying she “was just trying it for fun.” Mistissini 17-year-old Tanisha Bear appreciated building self-confidence by stepping out of her comfort zone. Chisasibi athlete Arianna Bearskin reported making many friends, saying “it makes me feel alive.”
Softball and basketball were among the biggest attractions all week, which also included soccer, badminton and ping pong. While a portage event was planned for the adult division highlighting traditional games, inclement weather forced a change of plans, and an arm-wrestling competition was held indoors instead.
Chief Petawabano memorably participated in the canoe races, helping escort young athlete Nolan Cooper into the bay to see his teammates. Unfortunately, they tipped over on the way to shore, losing one of Cooper’s shoes in the confusion. Onstage afterwards to present medals, Petawabano told the story of taking Cooper to the sports store to replace them.
“I said I think he tipped us over on purpose,” Petawabano recalled. “Do you see those shoes he’s wearing? I think that’s why he tipped us. That got a good chuckle.”
The Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association organized workshops and entertainment throughout the week, including Jossée Bernier, Northstars and Patrick Petawabano. The Youth Council also invited acts including Drezus and Aspects. With an artisan marketplace and a pop-up Wachiya booth, the community was bustling all week.
On Friday alone, there was mini paddle making with Jimmy Otter, antler carving with Adrian Coonishish, music production with Paul Star, workshops at the Cree Justice tent and live painting with Jade Mukash. Ahead of competing in the Miss Indigenous Canada pageant, Mukash worked with youth to create a mural that was unveiled at the closing ceremonies.
“We wanted to give an opportunity for our members to showcase their expertise,” said CNACA executive director Dale Cooper. “[Athletes] had a chance to take a break from sports to connect with traditional arts and crafts. Most memorable for me was seeing the excitement in the artists performing.”
The enthusiasm of the over 500 athletes aged 9 to 18 was evident from the opening parade and continued all week. Partly intended to bring youth together following the Covid pandemic and some difficult losses of community members, parents shared their appreciation for the motivational effect the Games had on their children.
“Athletes devoted their results to a loss in the family,” shared the EISRA’s Clifford Loon about one instance. “The grieving was so significant they didn’t want to do anything, but once they decided to join the Summer Games, they saw that healing happening. These stories were what we were hoping for, to instill that hope and pride in the youth.”
The Cree Health Board deployed its mobile hospital to provide holistic care to athletes, including substance abuse prevention, safe travels and mental health support. With a triage station, rest area and misting tent, staff could address minor injuries and deliver physiotherapy services. The EISG also marked the start of Chiiwaatin Security Agency.
The successful event was a team effort involving numerous Cree entities, generous sponsors, chaperones, coaches and volunteers. Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty thanked the JBCCS communications network for enabling her to watch from afar. With a website, social media and livestream channels, online posts reached 29,500 people.
The most viewed post was a video of the Games’ first medal being printed on-site, which was awarded to Payton Linton. A total of 359 medals were awarded during the week.
“I’ve always advocated for things like this,” Chief Petawabano told the Nation. “It’s not just about the sport itself – it’s that structure, leadership, team building, commitment, preparing yourself. If there’s nothing else, you tend to get into things you shouldn’t get into.”
Petawabano believes the community’s infrastructure enables youth to play the sports they enjoy and live healthy lifestyles. With the support of parents and coaches, Mistissini youth are performing increasingly well at regional swimming events, making good use of their excellent pool facilities.
The youth starting to see results, asserted Petawabano. “It inspires them to keep pushing themselves. If we’re committed to supporting these types of initiatives and the youth are participating, they’re setting the tone for everybody else.”
Petawabano added that the Games will return in two years in addition to other competitions.” Mistissini has the winter games coming up in March, then we have the one held by the Innu next summer. There’s a lot going on – keep challenging yourself.”
by Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter