2006 Willow Awards Launch

Little Red River School, home to students from the Montreal Lake Cree Nation and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, hosted the 2006 Willow Awards' Launch on October 27th. Principal, Darren Solomon, and Masters of Ceremony, Brittany Morin and Elisa Halkett, welcomed students from St. Louis and Sturgeon Lake Schools as well as parents and guests from Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and North Battleford.

After "O Canada", Elder, Judy Bear, from Sweetgrass First Nation said the opening prayer in Cree and English. Entertainer, Ted Longbottom, sang songs based on his Métis heritage and growing up on a reserve in Manitoba.

Students paraded large reproductions of the covers of the 2006 Willow Awards' nominated books around the gym to the front where they were attached to the wall. Elder Daniels then blessed the books and the readers. Following the Honour Song, student Pow Wow Dancers entertained.

Lynn Gilbert and Liz Roberts, founding members of Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice (SYRCA) Willow Awards, were honoured with SYRCA Distinguished Service Awards. Books, and bookmarks were presented to St. Louis and Sturgeon Lake Schools.

The celebration concluded with everyone participating in a Round Dance, followed by a Victory Song and a closing prayer by Elder Judy Bear. Tea and bannock followed.

Thanks to the staff and students of Little Red River School for hosting a wonderful Launch to the 2006 Willow Awards.

SYRCA, the Willow Awards, gratefully acknowledges the support our patrons, the Book and Briar Patch, SaskEnergy, and SaskCulture/Saskatchewan Lotteries, and our sponsors, especially, Bob Sawatsky of National Book Services for donating the nominated books to the Launch School.

Pictures from the 2006 Launch