Special guests take part as Pays Plat unfurls new flag

On July 27, members of Pays Plat First Nation gathered at the annual powwow for the unveiling of the community’s new flag – with a few special visitors showing up for the reveal.
Assembly of First Nation (AFN) National Chief Shawn Atleo and Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy were both on hand to celebrate the new flag.
The powwow was the conclusion of Traditional Week full of various activities for the community. There were also performances by musicians Shy-Anne Havorka and Shibastik, and comedy by Todd Genno and Ron Kanutski.
In a statement, Pays Plat Chief Xavier Thompson said that he was extremely proud of the people of Pays Plat.
“I had a dream of a fantastic journey for this year. It started with a dream for a new flag to revive the unity of Pays Plat and to revive the pride for what we have here in our little community,” Thompson said.
A contest was open to members of the community to design a new flag, and invitations were sent out to surrounding First Nations communities inviting them to support the new flag by displaying their own flags.
Thompson explained that an invitation was also sent to Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn Atleo. While Thompson was at the AFN’s annual general meeting in Whitehorse, Yukon, he said it “seemed like all the reps would not make it.”
“It seemed bleak,” Thompson said. He decided to make arrangements for each representative to at least send their respective flag to the powwow and hope for the best.
“Then the best happened!” Thompson said. “It started with Regional Chief Stan Beardy showing up.”
Northern Superior Chiefs Grand Chief Peter Collins, Mike Eshquega of the Union of Ontario Indians, Gull Bay Chief Wilfred King, Michipicoten Chief Joe Buckell, Rocky Bay Chief Velda Lesparance, and The Ojibways of Pic River Chief Roy Michano also attended to show support for the unveiling of the new flag.
Ian Achneepineskum won the flag design contest.
“Right after we put up the flags, Shawn Atleo rode in on his motorcycle,” Achneepineskum said.
Thompson had a few interactions with Atleo before the powwow. “The very first time I met Shawn Atleo was at the Noongom Powwow in Ottawa around five years ago,” he said.
Thompson explained that Atleo also showed up to that powwow on his motorcycle. “I did not let him know I was a Chief, but I did chat with him for a little while. Every time that I met with him after that I always reminded him of our first meeting.”
“(Atleo) said that he rarely has a chance to ride his bike, and that when he does ride he runs into me!” Thompson said.
Atleo honoured the community by singing a song of his people on the Little Fire Drum.
“Pride and honour is what I felt for my community when I saw Regional Chief Stan Beardy and National Chief Shawn Atleo standing in front of the Pays Plat powwow arbor,” said Jacquie Goodchild, a member of Pays Plat. Goodchild is a jingle dress dancer and was participating in the powwow festivities when the Chiefs showed up.
“We, at Pays Plat First Nations, diligently try to preserve our culture and language for the future generations,” Goodchild said. “It was such a heartfelt honour to have all those chiefs attend and support our community powwow. Miigwech. Miigwech. Miigwech.”
“Even considering the setbacks that occurred during the Traditional Week, all the events were successful,” Thompson said. “It was nice seeing everyone with a smile on his or her face. I am proud of all the people who did what they did to make this a successful event.”
“I will remember this week for the rest of my life,” Thompson said.