Creefest: a place to be proud

The eight annual Creefest was held at Chapleau Cree First Nation from Aug. 10 -14.
Craft vendors, outdoor traditional cooking, a music tent, and a business trade show were part of the celebration of Mushkegowuk culture.
“This is the time to reflect back on many many years ago when our people were out on the land with their families and they migrated to come back for the summer,” said Greg Spence, organizer of the Creefest.
“They gathered to share stories, to meet old friends and make new friends,” he said. “It was a time to catch up with your relatives you are living distant from.”
Much like the changing tide of the James Bay coast, the location of the host community of Creefest also changes.
Past communities that have hosted Creefest are: Moose Factory, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, Missinabie, and Taykwa Tagamou (New Post).
This year’s celebration coincided with the Chapleau Cree Homecoming.
Craft booths were set up around the grounds to allow visitors to purchase hand made crafts and clothing that promoted cultural pride.
Jennifer Bissaillion came all the way from London to sell T-shirts and hats with Aboriginal logos.
And then there were the ladies from Peawanuck who cooked and served food in the waapooshtawan, a large, long lodge used for cooking.
The Elders, who had many years of wisdom, would tell stories to each other while they cooked and were constantly joking amongst each other.
The cooks from Peawanuck were Laura Koostachin, Pauline Chookomolin, Annie Wabano and Theresa Wabano, and many other helpers.
Rebecca Friday of Kashechewan and Moosonee’s Eva Lazarus were also there to cook.
Of course, the cooks depended on a hard working guy to keep their wood fires going, Luke Gull.
People would come and drink tea balloss, a home brew tea made Mushkegowuk style. There was also soup made from smoked goose with a side of bannock to accompany the traditional meal.
A large tent was set up where different activities took place.
One afternoon, there was a bingo for participants.
Friday was children’s day where there were numerous inflatable games and activities for their enjoyment including rock climbing, bull riding and sumo wresting.
There were numerous musicians performing many genres of music such as blues, rock and roll, country and fiddling music.
Featured on the music bill was Tommy Cash, who is none other than Johnny Cash’s brother.
Tommy has been hitting the festival circuit for over 40 years playing the songs that shot Johnny to stardom.
Brian Akiwenzie was a back up musician for Tommy Cash.
“I loved playing with them and I always loved Johnny Cash, and Tommy does a great tribute,” Akiwenzie said.
Other musicians to take to the stage throughout the week were the Bayroad Boys, the Paul James Band, Foggy Hogtown Boys, Fort George Rockers, and Tracy Bone. Old time fiddler player Norman Naveau from Mattagami First Nation rosined up his bow, and James and Daisy Cheechoo also performed. James was on fiddle and Daisy provided percussion with spoons.
Other activities held at the First Nation included an art exhibit at the band administration office where Richard Katalamisit’s work was showcased.
Comedian Moccasin Joe out of Fort William First Nation also had the crowds laughing with his Anishinabie punchlines.
Wawatay broadcasters Jules Spence and George Nakogee were on hand to broadcast live on Wawatay Radio Network the music throughout Creefest. Those notable Swamp Rockers were also signing autographs for their dedicated fans.
“It went really well. It served its purpose of bringing the Cree people together before they go their separate ways,” said Chief Keith Corston of Chapleau Cree First Nation.