More than 700 people gathered at the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre west of Barwick last Friday, where Rainy River First Nation served over 370 pounds of fish.
“It took weeks and weeks [of preparation],” said Chief Jim Leonard as a long lineup quickly filed alongside tables of salads, baskets of bannock, and many other dishes, ending at a long table covered with smoked sturgeon, smoked trout, and walleye.
“We come for the fish and to meet all the people. We know a lot of the people,” said Fort Frances resident Elisabeth Rude, who has been attending the fish fry for years.
“I love it. The food is delicious, it’s good every year,” said Cheryl Hagen as she sat down to eat.
“The weather is good, too, and the walk down is nice,” she added.
More than 100 volunteers worked to prepare the food, set up the tent, guide the visitors around the site.
“We do it to show our appreciation for the people of the district [and] to renew our friendship,” explained Chief Leonard.
The traditional fish fry, which has been taking place for hundreds of years, now attracts people from across Northwestern Ontario and Minnesota and from as far away as Winnipeg.
“Originally, it was a celebration within our own community and it’s mushroomed,” noted Chief Leonard, who added it’s been a community event for about 30 years now.
Before the buffet opened, traditional native watchman and interpreter Dave Debungie blessed the food with a brief ceremony, thanking the spirits for everyone’s good fortune.
“It’s very interesting to watch the dynamics,” Thunder Bay resident Christina Rogoza said after the meal. “It’s an interesting group of people to see them together.
“This is a place where you can come and just observe, it’s like sitting in an airport,” she remarked.
Chief Stan Beardy from Muskrat Dam First Nation attended the fish fry for the first time.
“I came to support these guys, it’s lots of fun,” he enthused. “What I like the most is the relationship that Rainy River First Nation has built with Fort Frances.
“It’s good to see because everyone benefits from that,” he stressed.
Native leaders from other First Nations in Northern Ontario and Manitoba also attended, including Chief Charles Fox, a contender for the position of vice-chief of Ontario’s First Nations
NDP leader and local MPP Howard Hampton also was on hand for the fish fry.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
