Cumberland House Paddlers Into Day 5 Of Trek

Cumberland House Paddlers Into Day 5 Of Trek

Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 13:55

 

 

A canoe team from the Cumberland House Cree Nation is paddling on a stretch of the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta today.

 

The group is composed of John Laliberte, Sam Batiste, and four teenagers from the community.

 

They are taking part in the David Thompson Brigade — a journey designed to honour famed explorer David Thompson, who mapped much of North America with the help of First Nations guides.

 

Laliberte says the first few days have been gruelling, but his team is committed to going all the way.

 

A total of 14 canoes are taking part in the trip.

 

Laliberte’s team left Fort Sasktachewan this morning.

 

They started their trip at Rocky Mountain House, and are following the North Saskatchewan River all the way to Prince Albert.

 

They head to Ontario after that.

 

The teams are slated to pass through North Battleford on May 21st and Prince Albert on May 24th, and then they make their way to the James Smith reserve, Nipawin, Cumberland House and The Pas.