Serpent River First Nation holds first annual Family Ice Fishing Derby

By Leslie Knibbs

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION—Gerald Commanda is a proud and devoted father of nine children, and, a doting grandfather to nine more. He’s a lifelong resident of Serpent River First Nation (SRFN). The elder Commanda along with his son Jerry spent the early part of Saturday, March 2 out on the ice drilling holes for the first annual Family Ice Fishing Derby in SRFN.

When he wasn’t readying the fishing spots, Gerald was clearing snow on a pathway to the only building shelter there, known as the Stockwater Building. It’s a spartan-like structure equipped with a wood stove, a few tables and chairs; nonetheless, there are four walls, a roof overhead, and one wall of windows to look out onto what may be described as a postcard-like view of the forest surrounding it with sleeping trees covered in blankets of this winter’s pure white snow. The building is not much really, but it is a warm enough spot, a refuge for the over 40 registrants in the first annual derby to sit and have a break from the cold. Children of all ages gathered around the stove roasting marshmallows and enjoying treats supplied by the SRFN Recreation Department.

Samantha Commanda, Recreation Director for SRFN spent about two months organizing the derby.

“Recreation means community involvement,” expressed Commanda. “Ice fishing is something that many friends and family like to do during the cold winter months.”

Commanda is confident that events like the ice fishing derby are a fun enabler to keep community citizens active during the cold winter months.

The event ran from 10 am to 4 pm with registrants staking out their spots on Aird, Stockwater and Walkhouse Bay. Following the fishing, all families gathered at the Kenebutch Family Centre for the awarding of prizes and dinner prepared by Amanda Medabbie and Samantha Commanda.

All participants were awarded prizes with Ziibii Kwe (Kerri Jacobs) taking first prize with her winning pike measuring 24 inches and weighing 2.5 pounds. Youths Harley, Beneshiihs and Ayasha Jacobs were part of the winning family catching the pike.

“Everyone had a lot of fun and good times and can’t wait until next year’s Family Ice Fishing Derby,” stated Commanda.

The event will be an annual happening for families during winter in SRFN.