Pictured above: A view of one of the ice fishing derbies (left) and the winner of the Sasquatch Ice Fishing Derby.

Community members from Rossville and Norway House, MB have enjoyed a month of fun-filled activities during the annual Pipoon Festival.

Every year in March, the community of Rossville and Norway House gathers to enjoy the Pipoon Winter Festival, which celebrates the culture, history and future of the Cree people. The festival highlights healthy living principles and deep-rooted cultural practices, all while incorporating some fun and comradery.

The event typically runs for four days. However, due to the pandemic, the Norway House Healthy Living department decided to break down the event into short segments that would extend over the course of a month – from March to April. This change allowed organizers to ensure Covid-19 protocols, including social distancing were kept in place. The change was well received by community members as it gave them something to look forward to each day, in a time when maintaining mental wellness has been a challenge due to isolation.

The Northern Stores in Rossville and Norway House were pleased to be the title sponsors of the festival once again and donated event prizes totaling $5,000. In addition, Rossville Northern Store Manager Jason Winter, was invited to be part of the judges’ panel at the talent show, which is always a very popular festival event. So far, activities that have taken place include the Ice Fishing Derbies, Snowshoe races, King and Queen Trapper, the Talent Show and the Trap-setting event.

Pictured above: Two of the winners of the Men’s Snowshoe races (left), and the winners of the Talent show Women’s category (middle) and Men’s category receiving their prizes.

“The Pipoon Festival is an important celebration of the traditional cultural practices. It is also an important way to teach future generations about important life lessons and how the traditional practices can provide them with vital skills and be fun at the same time,” said Winter. “Celebrations like these are vital, especially now as we work to get through this pandemic, as it allows everyone to safely participate and have fun in these challenging times.”