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Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com
Indigenous youth from across Saskatchewan will participate in this year’s Tony Cote Summer Games which begin on Aug. 10.
But 10 athletes from the James Smith Cree Nation are expected to be rather tired before the Games even begin.
That’s because they are participating in a 400-kilometre sacred tradition this week known as a lance run.
They began their running journey on Aug. 5 in Saskatoon and are continuing on to Lac La Ronge Indian Band, where the Games, which run until Aug. 16, will be held.
Since James Smith First Nation last hosted the Games in 2022, its community has the honour of naming runners to ‘clear a path’ to this year’s competition.
In order to gain some experience for when they will lead the next lance run in 2026, a half dozen youth from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band are also taking part in this year’s event.
Tony Cote, who was the chief of Cote First Nation, started the Games back in 1974.
James Smith Cree Nation chief Kirby Constant said the lance run is intended to set a safe path for those that will compete in the biennial Games. A winter version of the Games is staged in alternating years.
“The lance represents our ancestors, who always sent scouts to ensure the tribe was not walking into danger,” Constant said. “Our Elders are praying for good, safe travels for all those who will be visiting La Ronge in the coming days.”
Athletes will take part in seven different sports at the Games. They are athletics (track and field), archery, beach volleying, canoeing/kayaking, golf, soccer and softball.
They’ll participate in three age groupings, 13 and under, 15 and under and 17 and under.
Alexi Sylvester, who is 15, is one of the James Smith Cree Nation youths taking part in the lance run.
“Physically me legs are tired,” Sylvester said on Aug. 8, four days into the lance run. “But we’ve been taking care of our bodies. It’s the community that is giving us energy.”
Constant, as well as some councillors and parents from his First Nation, are among those travelling with the youth during the lance run.
Sylvester had also taken part in the 2022 lance run. That journey, about 250 kilometres, travelled from Meadow Lake to Saskatoon.
Sylvester will compete in soccer in this year’s Games. She’s a member of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council girls’ under-17 squad.
Two years ago she represented the Meadow Lake Tribal Council in softball, participating in the girls’ under-15 division.
Another lance runner this year is James Smith Cree Nation teen Emery Sanderson.
“I want to be involved in my community,” he said. “The lance run is sacred. You’re running for the people.”
Once the Games begin, Sanderson will compete in boys’ athletics events. He is entered in the 100-metres race as well as long jump and triple jump competitions.
The other James Smith Cree Nation youth taking part in the lance run are Aiden Sanderson, Avayda Sanderson, Nolan Sanderson, John Sanderson, Darnell Brittain, Antoine Brittain, Drecyn Head and Laryn Constant.
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band runners are Cassadee Charles, Eva Charles, Danica Roberts, Joe Cook, Dominic McKenzie-Charles and Renee McKenzie.
“We are very proud of our youth who dedicated their time to practice and train for their events,” Constant said. “They are shining examples to their peers, demonstrating the dedication and discipline needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are excited to watch the athletes compete.”