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.
Eight canoers from the Flin Flon area are making their way to Prince Albert today before ultimately heading to Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. The Amisk Lake Voyageurs canoe team, led by Wayne Elliot, have been practicing for the David Thompson Brigade and are now putting their training to good use. Elliot says Thompson, who was a famous explorer in the 1800s, made a trek from Rocky Mountain House down to Thunder Bay, Ontario. The explorer, who was also a map maker, did a lot of river paddling, according to Elliot, which was the only highway of the day. Thompson gathered his information and traveled the waters. Now, centuries later, canoers travel the same pathway in the David Thompson Brigade. ÒIt took him (Thompson) about the same amount of time as weÕre doing it in,Ó says Elliot. ÒThey had a lot tougher conditions than weÕre going to experience.Ó The brigade of nearly 20 teams leaves Rocky Mountain House on May 10 before arriving in Thunder Bay on July 12. And what does Elliot expect to get out of the experience? ÒSome nostalgia, I guess. Long before I arrived in Flin Flon in the mid-60s, there was a tradition of world class travelers in the Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach area. ÒSo anything to do with water I like to make sure Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach is represented.Ó With six local men and two from out of town, Elliot says heÕs looking forward to the event. ÒIÕve been on similar brigades in the last 10 years,Ó he says, adding that heÕs been an amateur paddler throughout his adult life. ÒI enjoy it,Óhe says. With almost 20 teams on the water, Elliot says itÕs not a race, but a fun celebration. ÒWeÕre not up against anyone. ItÕs a brigade, so weÕll all travel in a brigade fashion,Ó he says. ÒI understand a lot of teams are really getting into it in regards of clothing and gear,Ó says Elliot. ÒIÕm really looking forward to seeing 16 voyageur canoes traveling down the Saskatchewan River singing songs and corroborate with each other and arriving in the settlements.Ó Elliot says heÕs also looking forward to arriving in different areas. ÒI know there are a lot of communities that are putting on big events for the arrival of the brigade.Ó With the teams reenacting ThompsonÕs adventure, Elliot says itÕs going to be as authentic as it can be. ÒI know everyone is looking forward to it.Ó Once the canoe hits land in Thunder Bay, Elliot says heÕll feel Òself satisfaction.Ó But aside from himself, he hopes others remember the trek as well. ÒIf anyone can remember this trip in he next generation, they can say, well Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach were right there with everybody else.Ó
