WOOD MOUNTAIN – JULY 1, 2009
Presented by the Wood Mountain Historical Society 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 was provided by the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and SaskEnergy.
"James Walsh" leading the riders on the NWMP Trail - Photo by Ray Bell
On July 1, 2009, Wood Mountain recognized Canada Day by hosting the first Celebrate the NWMP Trail festival. Over 30 pictures from all six of the festivals can be viewed on the RHCA’s Flicker site. Riders gathered on nearby Wood Mountain First Nation to ride on the remnants of the original NWMP Trail into the Old Wood Mountain Post, which is now commemorated as Wood Mountain Provincial Historic Park. 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.
Spirits of the Trail (l-r) Ken Mitchell, Geordie Grassick, Errol Kinstino, Bob Smoker - photo by Ray Bell
After the riders reached the historic park, 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 140 people in attendance. 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 were later joined by Wood Mountain First Nations storyteller Preston LeCaine to provide First Nations cultural performances. Highlights included Errol singing a romantic ballad while recently married Preston danced with his new bride. After the Spirits of the Trail, an Opening Ceremony featured representatives from the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society (SHFS), the RCMP and local representatives recognizing the significance of the NWMP Trail to Wood Mountain and their organizations.
Following these events the crowd moved across town to the Wood Mountain Rodeo Ranch Museum where historian and award-winning author Garrett Wilson provided a presentation about the history of the NWMP Trail. 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 day was concluded with a supper at the community hall featuring entertainment from singer/songwriter Tommy-John Ehman. Tommy started his set with a song written especially for the Trail festivals, appropriately titled, The North-West Mounted Police.