by David Jala, Courtesy of the Cape Breton Post

Chapel Island – It was a celebration of culture, friendship and competition as Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaw people gathered at one of their most revered places.

For six days the Potlotek First Nation of Chapel Island hosted friends and family at the 2014 Mi’kmaw Summer Games, held at their traditional meeting site on the shores of the Bras d’Or, Aug. 19-24.

“It’s a wonderful time for our people as we all get to see old friends and meet new ones,” said Joan Christie, of Whycocomagh. “We are connected and to be all together at such a special place is very nice.”

Christie, who was among a large crowd that watched the popular Tug of War competition on Saturday at the Entertainment Grounds, said it warmed her heart to see so many happy children.

“It is great to see them outside, laughing and playing,” she said.

Games chief organizer Josh Nicholas said it was especially gratifying to see so much fun and camaraderie happening in an alcohol and drug free environment.

“We’re very proud of hosting the Games and we’re very pleased to see how much all the participants, spectators, friends and families are enjoying all aspects of this gathering,” said Nicholas, who admitted to having very little sleep during the six-day event.

“I’m tired, very tired – but it’s all worth it when you see the smiles and hear the laughter,” he said. “Everybody seemed to have a great time.”

Nicholas said more than 1,500 participants took part in the Games, while the six-day gathering attracted several thousand people to the Potlotek community which has a population of under 600.

The Games attracted people from Mi’kmaw communities across Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton’s Eskasoni, Membertou, Wagmatcook and Whycocogmah. Mainland representatives came from Indian Brook (Shubenacadie), Millbrook (Truro), Paqtnkek (Antigonish County) and Pictou Landing.

Along with a full slate of sporting competitions, including archery, fastball, softball, horseshoes, canoeing, volleyball, basketball, golf, track and field, darts and tug of war, the Games also hosted a variety of cultural activities and plenty of great food.

Josephine Paul, of Eskasoni, spent time at the Games with great-granddaughter Kalie Googoo.

“The competitions are fun and the food is great,” she said. “We come to the Games every year.”

The first Mi’kmaw Summer Games were held at Chapel Island in 1977. The hosting duties were passed around different communities before the games took a long hiatus. 

They were resurrected in 2010 when Membertou played host followed by Wagmatcook, Eskasoni and Waycobah before returning to Potlotek for this year’s games. 

Apart from the competitions and cultural activities, there was plenty to do for the hundreds of young children who attended the gathering.

A children’s play park was set up and was consistently busy with many kids sporting freshly painted faces.

“These kids are our future,” said Nicholas. “So, to have them attend a big gathering like this is a great opportunity for them to meet people from other communities and to learn more about our culture and history.”

Nicholas added that all participants receive medals, as the emphasis is on fair competition and not necessarily on winning.

Katana Paul, of Membertou, was one of many people hanging around the baseball field.

“I don’t really know who is playing but it’s fun,” she said. “I love meeting all the people.”

Sydney couple Beth and Gerald Hazelhurst were at their second Mi’kmaw Games as St. John Ambulance volunteers.

“We were at the games last year and loved it so we made sure we were available to work this year’s event,” said Beth. “The people are great and it is a really, really good time.”

Gerald reported that the most serious injury they dealt with was a splinter.

“Which is good,” he said. “We’re here to help, but we would rather everybody stay healthy and safe.”

The Games concluded on Sunday, Aug. 24 when the closing ceremonies were held at Potlotek’s Cultural Grounds.

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