BHP Billiton Rock and Ice Ultra
Yellowknives Dene Chief Relates to Racers
Dane Gibson / 25.03.2008
Putting one foot in the front of the other – that’s all you can do. It’s Monday and today the conditions were perfect. One-by-one the three day K-rock Ultra competitors crossed the finish line. They received cheers , and were quickly ushered into a big tent where they were met with a hot bowl of caribou and bison stew, warm bannock, and Dene drummers pounding out ancient songs. While much of the focus during extreme races surround weather, stage times, injuries and equipment it’s important for the many international visitors to pause and reflect on the land they are travelling through, and hear stories from those who know it best.
It was culture night, hosted by CKLB Radio, an aboriginal radio station that broadcasts to 30 NWT communities and two diamond mines in five different Dene languages. For the tired racers it was a great way to unwind, relax, and reflect.
One of the Chiefs of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Fred Sangris, was there along with the Dettah Drummers -- a group of five drummers from the Yellowknives Dene who carry with them the traditional songs of their ancestors. The drummers were warming their drums up, getting ready to start the evening of entertainment off.
While everyone enjoyed a bowl of stew before things got started, competitor Mindy Willet, a mother of two who just completed the K-Rock Ultra, approached Chief Sangris and took his hand.
“I want to thank you. I want to thank you for sharing your land with me. I need to tell you that as I crossed Mason Lake, the sun was shining through the trees and the snow had hundreds of points of light reflecting off of it – and it was so beautiful I almost cried,� said Willet.
See All Event Posts
