The Barren Lands First Nations held their annual Brochet fishing derby last week, and it was a tremendous success. Hundreds of people from all over the North showed up to participate in the event, making it a fun-filled day for everyone.
The fishing derby was organized by Lorraine Halkett, who served as the T&E Coordinator for the event. The derby took place in Brochet, Manitoba, and it was the first of its kind in the community. It was free to enter and open to all community members, with categories for both children and adults.
Participants in all categories had a chance to win prizes, with the Brochet Community Council and Barren Lands First Nation providing the rewards for each category winner. There were ATVs, large cash prizes, and Side by Sides up for grabs, making it an exciting competition.
The derby lasted from 9AM to 8PM, giving participants ample time to catch the biggest fish they could find. Karen Cooke was the lucky winner of the day, bringing in a fish weighing in at an impressive 30.05 lbs. Her catch was the highlight of the day, and she was thrilled to receive her prize.
The event was a great way for members of the community to come together and celebrate their love of fishing. With nearly 700 people in attendance, it was clear that the derby was a hit with everyone. It was a fun day for families and friends to spend time together, enjoying the great outdoors and the thrill of the competition.
One of the most significant aspects of the event was the community spirit that it fostered. People from all over the North came together to celebrate their shared love of fishing, and it was heartwarming to see the support and camaraderie on display throughout the day.
Overall, the Barren Lands First Nations' annual Brochet fishing derby was a massive success. It served as a reminder of the importance of community spirit and coming together to celebrate our shared passions. We look forward to seeing what next year's event will bring, and we hope that it will be even bigger and better than this year’s.
~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
