COTE FIRST NATION — The Cote First Nation transformed the Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex (CGCEC) into a bustling carnival, bringing joy and excitement to community members of all ages.
The June 11 event, held indoors to shield participants from the wind, featured an array of activities including bouncy castles, games, a laser tag room, and a prize zone. Attendees were guaranteed at least one prize each, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In addition to the main attractions, a roulette wheel offered an extra chance to win treats such as popcorn, cotton candy, or slushies. The carnival’s success was evident in the high spirits of the crowd and the enthusiastic participation in various activities.
“We’ve got a fantastic turnout. Everybody seems to be having fun,” remarked Quinlan Persson, one of the workers overseeing the inflatable attractions. “The biggest thing I’d say is we managed to get everything inside out of the wind, so it’s a little bit warmer and more comfortable for everybody. It’s a little bit cramped here in the gym, but it’s going pretty good so far.”
Despite the successful adaptation to indoor arrangements, not all planned activities could go ahead. Brody Johnson, another event worker, explained, “We did have some zorb balls we were gonna set up today but unfortunately the wind got too strong. So unfortunately, there are no zorb balls today.”
The event also highlighted the cultural heritage of the community. When asked, Florence Severight, a Saulteaux teacher at CGCEC, shared a little bit about her dedication to preserving and teaching the Saulteaux language.
“I translate and speak the language fluently and I write it as well. I’m available to teach the language anywhere,” Severight told The Kamsack Times.
