MCCORD – JULY 4, 2009
Presented by the McCord and District Museum in partnership with the Rural History and Culture Association, the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society and Burning Sun Productions with major financial support provided by the Building Pride Program of the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport. Additional support provided by the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and SaskEnergy.
Walsh (Grassick) and Leveille (Mitchell) consult prior to meeting Sitting Bull - Photo by Sands of Time Photography
On July 4, 2009, McCord staged the second of six Celebrate the NWMP Trail festivals. Riders gathered on the remnants of the original NWMP Trail near the village and rode into the town. The riders included the actors participating in Spirits of the Trail, a theatrical remembering of the relationship between James Walsh of the NWMP and Sioux Chieftain Sitting Bull. Local riders included several local First Nations people and some riders even brought a pioneer covered wagon.
Members of the Official Party at the Opening Ceremony - Photo by Sands of Time Photography
Prior to the arrival of the riders in McCord, an Opening Ceremony featuring representatives from the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society (SHFS), the RCMP and local representatives was held that recognized the significance of the NWMP Trail to McCord and area. After the riders reached McCord, Spirits of the Trail, was performed. Written by Ken Mitchell, who also played the role of Metis scout Louis Leveille in the performance, the theatre was warmly received by the 240 people in attendance. Local organizer Audrey Wilson arranged that all members of the audience received a feather to symbolize that the audience represented the Sioux nation that Sitting Bull led to the area. Regina actors Geordie Grassick and Errol Kinstino portrayed Walsh and Sitting Bull and were joined by Elder Bob Smoker who portrayed a Sioux Medicine Man. Errol and Bob later provided First Nations cultural performances including a First Nations dance in which many members of the audience participated.
Elder Bob Smoker leads First Nations Dance - Photo by Sands of Time Photography
Following these performances the crowd enjoyed a presentation by historian and award-winning author Garrett Wilson. Garrett provided background on the history of the NWMP Trail and its significance in the history of Saskatchewan. This was followed by a presentation by the SHFS about Everett Baker’s marking of the NWMP Trail with historical markers in the 1950s and 60s. The audience then got to kick up its heals a bit with entertainment provided by Ragtime Don and the Word Junkie. These two Regina singer/songwriters performed songs that told stories steeped in Saskatchewan history.
Following a hearty supper provided by the local Museum, the day concluded with a campfire storytelling and sing-along led by singer/songwriter Norm Walker. Norm who grew up in nearby Melaval, shared his songs about Saskatchewan life and got the evening off to a fun start. Cowboy poetry from Ken Mitchell and many stories from local folks followed until late into the night. Over 30 pictures from all six of the festivals can be viewed on the RHCA’s Flicker site.