Proud winner of the "Queen" competition Betsy Nanowin (left) alongside Northern Store Manager, Joseph Janveaux (right).

The community of Poplar River, MB enjoyed a weekend of festivities with games and fun activities for an exciting Treaty Day celebration – despite some changes.

The annual celebration of Indigenous culture and values saw some innovative ways to carry forward the celebrations this year, due to COVID-19.

The three-day event from August 10-12, 2020, was open to all and included a dazzling array of entertainment. Poplar River’s residents took part in singing contests, square-dancing competitions, fun events for the Elders, jumping castles for the children, tug-of-war team competitions, and more.

The event had some great prizes available to be won, including an ATV donated by the local Northern store, a lawn tractor and a cash prize of $1,500.

The ATV prize was included in the winnings of a contest where the women in town participated to be awarded the crown of the “COVID Queen”. The women were tasked with selling as many $1 raffle tickets to community members as possible, increasing their chances to win with every ticket sold.

“It feels soothing to see a glimpse of happiness and joy around you amidst these trying times. This is an important event for us and it teaches us the importance of unity, and the need to be hopeful and get through these difficult times together,” shared Poplar River Northern Store Manager, Joseph Janveaux.