Rainy River First Nations will be completing its final phase of a veterans memorial there tomorrow with a ceremony at 2 p.m., followed by the annual fish fry at the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre near Stratton.
“We’re paying tribute to our veterans who belong to the Rainy River First Nations,” explained Dean Wilson, the band’s manager of administration.
“It’s been something the First Nations have been discussing for a number of years now.”
Wilson noted they began phase one of the memorial last year. Tomorrow will see the unveiling of the two monuments that have been installed there.
“Plus we have two replica guns,” Wilson added, noting the ceremony will acknowledge the completion of the memorial.
“And, obviously, it’s a respect for the First Nations veterans from our community,” he remarked.
On hand for tomorrow’s ceremony will be such dignitaries as the regional director of the provincial Indian and Northern Affairs ministry, as well as Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff.
“We’re just down there putting on the finishing touches today,” noted Wilson. “It’s a pretty amazing site. We’re really looking forward to tomorrow.
“Then we’ll be heading down to the fish fry to enjoy some walleye and good food made by the community members.”
Wilson stressed the entire district is invited to be a part of the festivities—both at the memorial unveiling and the fish fry.
“We’re hoping for some nice, warm weather and a good turnout,” he remarked. “We hope people come out to share in our history and to help us celebrate this community event.”
There is no charge to attend, but donations are accepted.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
