The 21st-annual CreeFest is being hailed as the biggest and best-attended one ever.
The three-day cultural celebration, held July 23 to 25, was hosted this year by Taykwa Tagamou Nation.
Mushkegowuk Council Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin, a member of TTN, said the community and event organizers, including Chief Bruce Archibald and his council, did themselves proud, hosting what turned out to be a massively successful event.
“I was at CreeFest all three days. It was great seeing so many people having so much fun at this event,” said Martin. “I love the fact it was so well organized and the hosting was so well done. Being there made me extra proud to be from Taykwa Tagamou.”
More than 1,500 people attended CreeFest over the three days. Crowds were drawn in by the more than 80 vendors, the variety of events and some top-notch entertainment including the Relic Kings, classic hard rockers Nazareth and Rebecca Strong, a member of Black Lake Denesuline First Nation who was the fourth-season winner of Canada's Got Talent. Canadian actor Adam Beach added to the celebrity presence, serving as the master of ceremonies throughout the event.
Martin took part in the official opening as well as a presentation made to CreeFest founder Greg Spence, who was honoured on the second night, just shortly before Nazareth took to the stage.
Deputy Grand Chief Martin explained that Spence was being recognized for his 20 years of “loyalty and dedication” coordinating an annual event which, she said, has “made a lasting impact with an amazing gathering that brings Omushkegowuk people together.”
Natasha Martin, Deputy Grand Chief