On March 18-22nd this years Great Outdoor Show saw an increase in Crees participating. I found most ofthem in the Aboriginal Site and a few on the main floor. In fact the Aboriginal Site allowed Natives tohave their own area and added a distinct flavor to the show.
When entering the Native Site, I found what could only be called the Cree row. First it was MistissiniTourism along with George Shecapio promoting the reopening of Camp Louis Joliet as a family business.Other Mistissini Crees were on hand to promote their
tourism camps. Beside them was Watchiya, selling Cree crafts and artwork, across the way was Waskaganish Tourism and Pash Travel. Next an Air Creebec display had a flight simulator and on the end was Ouje-Bougoumou Tourism. An impressive site but I was wondering where Mandow was and eventually found them on the main floor of the show.
Normally I would mention all the aboriginal businesses that were present at the show but there was just too many this year. A great showing since the participation has easily tripled since last year. It should be fun to see next years show.
I am often surprised that more Crees don’t attend these shows. It’s a hunting and fishing supplies buyer’s paradise. Not only do you get to see the latest models of skidoos, guns, fishing reels and rods, new hooks, hard to find hooks but you get to see new neat things.
I found three things that impressed me the most. The first and most important considering that goosebreak is here is the Seal Skinz waterproof socks. These babies are even said not to cause blisters (at least because of them) as they are made using a seamless construction. They also have a one way method that allows perspiration to escape but water can’t enter. Cost is around $30 plus for these beauties. The second thing I found was something similar to a sleeping bag with some suspenders added. Would be great if you were on the ice in a blind and wanted to keep warm. The salespeople told me this was designed for deer hunters who had to stay in a blind for hours on end waiting for deer. Sound familiar? It runs around $329.00. They last product I found was Technlce. You take a sheet, put in water until the sheet starts swelling and freeze it for 24 hours.It stays frozen for days unlike normal ice packs and ice. It takes up less space and is reusable. Notonly that but you can use it as a heat pad for sore muscles or arthritis pains by putting it in amicrowave for 1-4 minutes.
Other features of the show include kids camps, family campgrounds, outfitters and a host of others.
One of the most interesting educational stops at the show was Faucon- + duc. They had a falcon, owls and hawks on display. This is an organization that goes around to schools letting students have a good close look at the birds. They charge $75 for an educational presentation for 30 students and $0.25/kilometer traveled. Interested teachers can visit their web site at http:// www.generation.net/~falcon.
I listened to lessons in moose-calling, fly-fishing, dog training, survival techniques and how to use new products and old.
You could practice climbing up the highest indoor freestanding climbing wall, see demonstration inkayaking, mountain bike demos and white water rafting in the white water basin at the Great Outdoorsmanshow. Recommended for all Crees next year. Don’t miss it.
George Shecapio to reopen Louis Joliet
