The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
There were 29 teams of the Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest that crossed the finish line at Sturgeon Landing on Monday, July 4. Teams started the 15th, and final, stage of the race at 8:00 a.m. from Denare Beach to paddle 65 km to their final checkpoint at Sturgeon Landing. They traveled across Amisk Lake and down the Sturgeon Weir until they reached the finish line at the suspension bridge in Sturgeon Landing. The weather was warm and the winds were calm making great paddling conditions for this final leg. A large crowd of approximately 1,500 people waited patiently for the teams to arrive in this small settlement in which approximately 70 people reside, but the final four teams did not arrive for almost two hours after their scheduled arrival. It turned out that three of the teams had overturned in Rat Rapids, damaging some of the canoes and shaking up the team members quite badly. The Ciman Challengers, the RCMP team and the Lakeland College team overturned, while the team from Stanley Mission stayed to help everyone. Safety boats were also on scene quickly. The ultimate Canoe Quest finish was when these four teams arrived together and held onto each others' boats, crossing the finish line at the exact same time. These final actions signified what the Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest was all about Ð the spirit of the event was captured in that final moment. The fans and supporters of the teams were second to none as they traveled from near and far to cheer on their teams at the finish line and to join in celebration of their significant accomplishments. The small community of Sturgeon Landing who have never hosted a major event, pulled the closing celebration together in less than a week's time after determining that the final leg to Cumberland House would be cancelled due to flooding. Our hats are off to the hard working volunteers in Sturgeon Landing! Teams were treated to a meal of ham, turkey, roast beef, bannoc, potato salad and they even brought in some KFC. A live local band from Pelican Narrows called The Rez Boys entertained the crowd for most of the afternoon and evening. The Reindeer Lake Junior and Senior Square Dancers from Southend also did a few numbers for us. Dignitaries, sponsors, and special guests were in attendance including Minister Joan Beatty, and Glenn Hagel, Chair of the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 just to mention a few. All teams were recognized for their great accomplishments and prizes were awarded to the top six placing teams. Top finishers 1st Place Ð Team 5 Ð Opimiskaw 2nd Place Ð Team 23 Ð PBCN Otawackiwak 1 3rd Place Ð Team 12 Ð Roger Carriere Classic 4th Place Ð Team 30 Ð Hatchet Lake 5th Place Ð Team 21 Ð Pemmican Portage Paddlers 6th Place Ð Team 15 Ð OCN Men The host community paid tribute to the late Joe Michel from Sturgeon Landing who paddled with the winning Team Manitoba in 1967. We know Joe was with us throughout this event in spirit. He may have even pulled a few strings with the 'big guy' as we were blessed with 29 out of 30 teams completing 966 km of paddling safely, and with weather that allowed every leg to be completed as planned. The finish line and closing activities were filled with much emotion and pride. Teams will take with them memories, friendships and personal pride that will last a lifetime. Congratulations teams, host communities, volunteers, sponsors and organizers on making this a Centennial legacy that will remain in our hearts forever.
