First Nations youth begin Tony Cote Summer Games with sacred lance run

Article content

Indigenous youth from across Saskatchewan are participating in this year’s Tony Cote Summer Games, but 10 athletes from James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) were expected to be rather tired before the games even began.

That’s because they started a 400-kilometre sacred tradition in the week leading up to the event, known as a lance run.

Their running journey began on Aug. 5 in Saskatoon and continued on to Lac La Ronge, where the games are being held. The games began Aug. 10 and run until Aug. 16.

Article content

Because JSCN hosted the games in 2022, the First Nation had the honour of naming runners to “clear a path” to this year’s competition.

In order to gain some experience for when they will lead the next lance run in 2026, a half dozen youth from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band also took part in this year’s event.

Tony Cote, former chief of Cote First Nation, started the games back in 1974.

JCSN Chief Kirby Constant said the lance run is intended to set a safe path for those that will compete in the biennial games. A winter version of the competition is staged in alternating years.

“The lance represents our ancestors, who always sent scouts to ensure the tribe was not walking into danger,” Constant said. “Our Elders are praying for good, safe travels for all those who will be visiting La Ronge in the coming days.”

Athletes will take part in seven different sports at the games, including athletics like track and field, archery, beach volleyball, canoeing and kayaking, golf, soccer and softball.

They’ll participate in three age groupings: 13 and under, 15 and under, and 17 and under.

Article content

Article content

Alexi Sylvester, who is 15, is one of the JSCN youth who took part in the lance run.

“Physically my legs are tired,” Sylvester said in an Aug. 8 interview, four days into the lance run. “But we’ve been taking care of our bodies. It’s the community that is giving us energy.”

Constant, as well as some councillors and parents from his First Nation, are among those who travelled with the youth during the lance run.

Sylvester had also taken part in the 2022 lance run. That journey, about 250 kilometres, went from Meadow Lake to Saskatoon.

A member of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council girls’ under-17 squad, Sylvester will compete in soccer in this year’s games.

Two years ago she represented the Meadow Lake Tribal Council in softball, participating in the girls’ under-15 division.

Another lance runner this year is JSCN teen Emery Sanderson.

“I want to be involved in my community,” he said. “The lance run is sacred. You’re running for the people.”

Sanderson was set to compete in boys’ athletics events. He is entered in the 100-metres race as well as long jump and triple jump competitions.

Article content

The other JSCN youth who took part in the lance run included Aiden Sanderson, Avayda Sanderson, Nolan Sanderson, John Sanderson, Darnell Brittain, Antoine Brittain, Drecyn Head and Laryn Constant.

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band runners included Cassadee Charles, Eva Charles, Danica Roberts, Joe Cook, Dominic McKenzie-Charles and Renee McKenzie.

“We are very proud of our youth who dedicated their time to practice and train for their events,” Constant said. “They are shining examples to their peers, demonstrating the dedication and discipline needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are excited to watch the athletes compete.”

The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Article content