Organizers say lance runners from James Smith Cree Nation are clearing the path for the athletes at next week’s Tony Cote Summer Games.
Ten youths from James Smith Cree Nation are participating in the sacred tradition of the lance run, which began on Monday.
They are travelling on foot from Saskatoon to La Ronge to clear a path for First Nation athletes to the Tony Cote Summer Games.
“The Tony Cote Summer Games’ Lance Run sets a safe path for those coming to the games next week,” said James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant. “The lance represents our ancestors, who always sent scouts to ensure the tribe was not walking into danger. Our Elders are praying for good, safe travels for all those who will be visiting La Ronge in the coming days. This is a special summer games for James Smith youth because it marks a new era of positive changes in our Nation.”
James Smith hosted the games in Saskatoon in July, 2022.
As the last community to host the games, they are tasked with clearing the path to the next host community. The youth will run and walk with the lance almost 400 kilometres to Treaty 6 territory, where the Lac La Ronge Indian Band has prepared venues for the games.
Youth from La Ronge are also assisting with the lance carry over the next seven days to learn the ropes. They are accompanied by department directors, JSCN band staff, parents, band councillors, and JSCN Chief Kirby Constant.
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band will play host to the multi-sport event from August 10 – 16.
“We are grateful to the volunteers and coordinators who support the games, and we extend our best wishes to all the youth travelling to La Ronge to partake in the Tony Cote Summer Games. Additionally, we are thankful to Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, her council, and their membership for taking on the role as hosts of the Tony Cote Summer Games. We look forward to their hospitality and the wonderful event they have organized,” Chief Constant said.
First Nation athletes will compete in seven different sports, including athletics, archery, beach volleyball, canoe and kayak, golf, soccer, and softball. Those born between 2007 to 2012 are eligible to compete and are grouped into age categories 13 and under, 15 and under, and 17 and under.
The Cote First Nation Chief, Tony Cote, and his band council started the tradition of the games in 1974.
On Monday, The lance run began at Gordie Howe Sports Complex in Saskatoon and continued north along Highway 11.
On Tuesday, the lance runners are expected to arrive in Prince Albert in the early evening.
The following is a provided list of the 2024 Lance Runners
Lac La Ronge runners: Cassadee Charles, Danica Roberts, Joe Cook, Dominic McKenzie-Charles, Renee McKenzie, Eva Charles
James Smith runners: Aiden Sanderson, Alexi Sanderson, Avayda Sanderson, Nolan Sanderson, Darnell Brittain, Antoine Brittain, Emery Sanderson, John Sanderson, Drecyn Head, Laryn Constant
A video link explaining the history of the Lance Run produced by the Tony Cote Summer Games can be found here.
(Photos Provided by the Tony Cote Games organizing committee)