Tiny Eastmain sure knows how to throw a giant party. The official opening for the “Stajun Mamougoomg” sports and community complex was the reason for one such bash on the 21st of June. After several years working for this day, walking several hudred kilometres from Eastmain to Vald’Or, or was it the other way around? (That’s how long it’s been.), it finally arrived. Eastmain’s very own arena and then some.
The lineup of special guests flown in for the occasion would have filled a who’s who of the Creeland chapter. Andre Caille, chairman of Hydro-Quebec, Billy Diamond, Chief of Waskaganish, Walter Hughboy, Chief of Wemindji, Mistissini’s Kenny Loon, Deputy Grand Chief and Chief of Chisasibi Violet Pachanos, Quebec Native Affairs Minister Guy Chevrette, MP Guy St-Julien, Chief Matthew Mukash of Whapmagoostui, UN Ambassador Dr. Ted Moses, Chief George Wapachee of Nemaska and the list goes on.
The traditional and always chaotic feast of goose with trimmings was served in the complex’s basketball court and afterward a dance. Apres la danse a massive fireworks display was held behind the new building.
Let the games begin!
