Grand Chief Stan Beardy and James Bartleman visit Sandy Lake

NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy, Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and NAN staff members were in Sandy Lake on July 16th to launch the planning of the Treaty 5 Centennial Commemoration. 

The historical event, which will mark 100 years since the signing of Treaty 5 is set to take place on June 9, 2010.

The Centennial Commemoration 2010 Project is being headed by two coordinators with support from the Chief and Council and a NAN working group.

NAN's visit also fell on the first day of Treaty Days, the annual community celebration held at the Treaty Grounds.  Stan Beardy, Alvin Fiddler and other NAN staff participated in the festivities during their visit.  Alvin helped Chief Adam Fiddler in Shoot the Arrow, a customary game that kicks off Treaty Days with the chief of the community shooting an arrow into an wooded area for contestants to find for a prize.

Also visiting Sandy Lake on the same day was James Bartleman, former Lt. Governor of Ontario.  Bartleman was joined by Mrs. Ruth Ann Onley, wife of the Honorable Lt. Governor of Ontario, David C. Onley.  This is the second trip to Sandy Lake for the two and their first trip to the literacy camp which Bartleman started when he held office. 

This is the third year the literacy camp program has run in Sandy Lake.  This summer there are over 160 kids registered with the literacy camp.