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Thirty-five year old Johnny Reid went into the 2009 Canadian Country
Music Awards as a favorite, having collected six nominations in
connection with his album “Dance With Me”. On Sunday September 13 in
Vancouver, he swept all but one of the major awards he was nominated
in. Reid won Best Album (Dance With Me), Top Selling Album of the
Year, Songwriter of the Year” (with Brent Maher for "A Woman Like
You"), Best Video CMT ("A Woman Like You"), Male Artist of the Year
and the prestigious Fans' Choice award. As Johnny Reid’s performance
drew to a close, Fisher River’s own Big Child Fireworks master of
dazzle Lloyd Cochrane was prepared to unleash what would be one of
the most stunning fireworks displays in Manitoba in 2009. Lloyd was
the mastermind behind this year’s breathtaking show.
The 5th Annual Community Celebration was a tremendous accomplishment
and was achieved through great teamwork and successful partnerships.
The promotion of our wonderful community and our commitment to
excellence in hosting such a prestigious event is the driving force
behind the team. They include: the OSEDC Board of Directors Alvin
Amos, Simon Murdock, Dion Mckay and Delaney Mason, OSEDC staff
George Crate, Rob Selkirk and Rhonda Williams, FRCN Chief and
Council and the FRCN Healing Center. A special thank you to the LCM
Center maintenance crew Darren Williams, Brad Cochrane and Brendan
Alexander; as wwell as, the LCM Center canteen staff Carole Crate,
Jordan Cochrane, Don Walbridge and Pam Kirkness.
The time and effort put in by our official celebration photographers
is greatly appreciated. We are extremely grateful for all the
beautiful pictures taken by Pam Crate and Jynx Munro.
Once again we like to express our sincere gratitude to all the
sponsors who participated in the “2009 Friends and Sponsors
Campaign” – JR Cousins Consulting Ltd., Culture/Heritage/Tourism,
Holokoff Chiarella, Arborg Credit Union, Royal Bank, Ukrainian
Farmers Coop/Fisher Branch, Tom Nevakshonoff, South Beach Casino and
Resort, Tribal Councils Investment Group and Sigfusson Northern.
Also we would like to thank Loretta Lynn’s Catering for taking care
of all the celebration food requirements. All entertainers commented
on the timely delivery and superb quality of the meals. We would
like to thank Darlene Cochrane of “Big Mama’s” stand for providing
those delicious dinners for concert production staff.
In addition, we would like to acknowledge Beatoes Productions and
Audio Works Productions for the creative lighting and state of the
art audio production.
We would also like to thank Luxury Plus Limousines in Winnipeg for
the first class treatment of our guests. As the official provider of
transportation for the Celebration they ensured our entertainers
arrived safely and returned on schedule.
Also, we would like to thank the Radisson Hotel Winnipeg-Skyview and
the Victoria Inn and Conference Center for their incomparable
treatment of our guests. As the official hotel providers for the
Celebration, they made certain our guests had a comfortable and
enjoyable stay.
For those of you who attended this years’ 5th Annual Community
Celebration, we trust you enjoyed it as much as we did. Please join
us next year as we host the 6th Annual Community Celebration in
August 2010. Next years’ event promises to be the biggest and most
highly anticipated celebration yet. It will coincide with the
commemoration of the community’s 135th Anniversary. Looking forward
to seeing you all there!
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5th Annual - Johnny Reid
Sunday,
August 2, 2009
Click here to listen to the
NCI FM Radio Ad
The
Ochekwi-Sipi Economic Development Corporation, in cooperation with the
Fisher River Cree Nation, celebrated their 5th Annual Community
Celebration at the fabulous Leigh Cochrane Memorial Visitor Center on
Sunday August 2, 2009.
It was a warm sunny morning. The song birds chirped and fluttered about
the LCM Center. The pelicans were enjoying their time in the sparkling
flowing waters of the “Fisher” river. A pelican gracefully glides south
to north inches above the water adjacent to the beautiful boardwalk that
links the main log cabin to the outdoor concert stage. The weather was a
far cry from the predicted rainy forecast for Sunday. The rains would
hold off with the exception of a brief light sprinkle later on that
evening.
It was 10:00 a.m. when Johnny Reid’s tour bus arrived at the concert
area. As he stepped off his bus to participate in a morning sound check,
his down to earth persona was evident. As he shared in laughter with
local leadership and organizers, we marveled at his benevolent nature.
It was like old friends he had not seen for a while. He remarked that
the area and facility were unique and was as beautiful as it appeared on
the website. He stated, “In all my travels, I have never seen something
like this”. This sentiment would later be used to describe how he felt
about his overall experience in Fisher River.
Just prior to having breakfast at Loretta Lynn’s Restaurant, Johnny was
enthusiastically playing with a little dog who decided to check out all
the commotion. The little “rez” dog loved the attention. During his
evening performance, much to the delight of the fans, the manager
brought that little dog on stage. With the dog in his arms, Johnny
informed the fans that he had adopted him earlier and decided to name it
“Darling”. The crowd roared their approval.
The celebration began at 3:00 p.m. with a prayer by elder Helen
Cochrane. Chief David Crate, AMC Grand Chief Ron Evans and OSEDC’s Dion
Mckay shared opening remarks. Their comments touched on the value of
community, families and working together. Chief Crate congratulated the
organizers for a job well done and said, “It is great to see the
community come together and share in the laughter and entertainment with
their families, neighbors and visitors from all over Manitoba. Grand
Chief Evans stated, “It is great that Fisher River provides us with a
chance to see these world class entertainers. Many of us may never get
to travel to the far away places to see them perform.
Immediately
following the opening remarks, a talented youth drum group called the
“Loud Eagle Singers” sang the honor song. The group consists of young
men from the Fisher River and Peguis First Nations.
Fisher River Chief and Council presented a beautiful star blanket to
Phyllis Shindak (Statin). She gracefully accepted the blanket on behalf
of the Statin family. The Statin family operated the Statin General
Store in Fisher River for almost 50 years and played a significant role
in the on-going development of local commerce, trade and economic
development. Phyllis stated, “It is wonderful to see the continued
development of this area as a central meeting and gathering place”.
The afternoon entertainment started with a return of the hugely popular
Gaudry Boys from St. Laurent. Together for 7 years, they have performed
at many venues and festivals across Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and
Ontario. Their youthful exuberance and sound caught the attention of
Johnny Reid who went on to say, “Where did you find these kids? They are
amazing!
A popular part of the Annual Celebration is the Talent Showcase. The
Treaty Day Champions in the Square-dance, Jigging and Talent
competitions get to stage their winning performance. The showcase also
provides an opportunity to highlight the successes of local talent. Five
of the 18 youth in the Intertribal Child and Family Services “Circle of
Sunrise Program” demonstrated their talent in clothing design and the
making of traditional outfits. Kaylee Sinclair, Jaynee Sinclair,
Sheyenne Mckay, Linsey Murdock and Danielle Sinclair got to model their
creations and meet with Johnny Reid and others backstage. All who met
the group were complimentary and very impressed by the work the youth
and the program leaders were accomplishing together.
100 Years Rising, a Winnipeg based band, held in reserve the energy
created by the Gaudry Boys. Their celebrated vocal harmonies and unique
blend of old and modern day country was well regarded by the fans in
attendance. They were also enthused by their traditional Métis fiddle
music. The group’s banter and on stage antics combined with their
interaction with the crowd was well received and thoroughly enjoyed. JJ
Lavallee and the boys had a great time. JJ later went on to say, “Man
this is great. What a great crowd! You guys put on an awesome show. Each
year it gets bigger and better”.
A United States Lakota/Colville tribal member, comedian Vaughn Eaglebear
now makes his home in Los Angeles, California. An accomplished pow wow
drummer and emcee, he scored a comedy bulls-eye with his original brand
of one liner comedy. Vaughn wrote the song “John Wayne’s Teeth” for the
movie Smoke Signals. Amidst his hilarious clowning around backstage he
said, “This is a very nice community with very friendly people. I have
received first class treatment since arriving in Canada. I would like to
thank the organizers and the community of Fisher River. I love it man”.
Canada’s Female Artist of the Year in 2008 and 2009 Juno Nominee Jessie
Farrell put on a virtuoso performance despite her near brush with
disaster the previous night at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose,
Alberta. She spoke with warmth and affection about the people that were
hurt and affected by it. After a moment of silence, in which you could
hear a pin drop, she continued on like true professional and finished
her set strong. Later backstage, before meeting with a huge gathering of
adoring fans she stated, “I am really glad I was able to make it. It is
really beautiful here and the people are so nice. Thanks for having me.”
After a poignant yet inspiring good time with Ms. Farrell, it was once
again time to tickle the funny bones of those in attendance. Comedian
Marc Yaffee, also from Los Angeles, took the audience on a hilarious
journey of discovery as he stumbled onto his Aztec/Navaho roots. As
cofounder of the traveling comedy tour “Pow Wow Comedy Jam”, he has
entertained audiences across the globe, including U.S. troops in the
Persian Gulf, Europe and Asia. You can see Marc, Vaughn and others this
November on Showtime. Marc went on to say, “Thank you again for
everything. We appreciate the great hospitality and we were glad to be a
part of the event. Please tell Pam, Rhonda and Rob thanks again from us
too.”
After spending a pleasant and relaxing day in the community, Johnny Reid
was poised to give a concert performance that fans of the celebration
will not soon forget. All day he mingled with organizers, leaders, fans
and other entertainers. Johnny’s most loyal followers and admirers
waited patiently backstage throughout the day to get a glimpse, a photo
or a hello from him – he was very accommodating. His much anticipated
and eagerly awaited concert began with thunderous roar of applause.
Johnny’s undeniable and powerful performance will be remembered and
cherished in the hearts of all who attended for years to come. The 5th.
Annual Community Celebration will be remembered by all including Johnny
for countless reasons like the “rags to riches” story of the dog
Darling, fishing/boating with guides Cameron and Dennis, backstage fish
fry, Loretta Lynn’s breakfast, Johnny dancing with a few lucky ladies;
as well as, fifty children. and to the closing ballad “Thank You”. The
response and positive feedback from fans on Reid and the performance of
his band and back up singers was beyond belief.
Johnny Reid’s manager George Gorton would later say, “Your kindness
touched us all – it was an honor to be welcomed into your community. I’m
positive that many wonderful memories were made by all. I can say
without hesitation; that to say, we had a great time in Fisher River
would be an understatement. Your crew was extremely organized and
handled the pressure of hosting our group with a welcome sense of
professionalism, heartfelt kindness and love. I am thrilled that the
show had such a positive response. I know Fisher River will hold a
lasting place in our hearts. The experience of fishing on the river and
being able to cook what was caught on the shore of the river was
incredible and way beyond what anyone could have imagined. From dancing
on the stage with fifty kids to the gifts received from Marcie Sinclair
to meeting Darling: these were all memories I am positive we will never
forget. This is just to mention a few – there are too many great
memories made to list in an e-mail.”
Attached is a
picture of Darling in her new home – needless to say she was a very
welcome addition to our family and has become probably the most pampered
pooch in all of Canada. Right now she is at home with our sound man
being loved by is beautiful daughters and will certainly make a return
to the tour bus very soon.
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