Pictured above is competition winner Gina Oombash with her prize.

Nearly 100 people took to the water to test their luck in Cat Lake, ON – one of several northern communities that celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day and Father’s Day last weekend.

The community organized its renowned fishing derby for June 20 and 21 to honour these special days.  The derby is an annual tradition that brings the community together for the joyous celebrations, with the local Northern Store donating the prizes each year.

To show their support, Northern donated a Honda generator as the prize for the runner-up. Several staff members also took part in the fun-filled event.

The event was a big success, despite an unexpected thunderstorm that forced it to end early on the second day.

One of this year’s winner – announced on the community’s radio station later in the day, due to the storm –  was Gina Oombash, who took part in the event with several of her family members.

“I am extremely proud to be a part of this wonderful community, and it was a beautiful experience celebrating this Indigenous Day with this amazing community. It is very important to recognize the people that have been a part of this land and called it their home for so long. I hope I can continue doing my best to serve this community,” shared Cat Lake Northern Store Manager, Dean Atchison.