Cumberland House which includes the Métis and Cree communities held a three-day celebration to mark its 250th anniversary. (Photo by Randi LaRocque)

By By Randi LaRocque

Semiquincentennial - 250 years

Cumberland House marks a major milestone with three days of celebrations

Aug 21, 2024 | 10:49 AM

The historical community of Cumberland House celebrated its 250th anniversary and is the oldest community in Saskatchewan.

Located in the northeast part of the province it has a population of about 2,000 people.

Cumberland House was established by Samuel Hearne in 1774 as the Hudson’s Bay Company’s first inland fur-trading post.

The history of the community is proudly displayed on its welcoming sign. (Photo by Randi LaRocque)

Saskatchewan became a province on Sept 1, 1905.

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However, he was not the first person to be on those lands. The area of Cumberland House was home to the Swampy Cree. They were vital to the Fur Trade in the area.

It’s predominantly a Métis community, with the Cumberland House Cree Nation adjacent to it.

It was a historical milestone for everyone.

“We’ve been here for 250 years,” said Deputy Mayor, Veronica Favel. “While also knowing we were here prior. It’s also a time for us to celebrate who we are on this island of Cumberland House.”

To mark the auspicious occasion, a three-day event packed with lots of fun things to do for everyone was held from Aug. 11-13.

Events included a military fly over, canoe racing, fireworks, jigging competition, and the voyager experience.

“It’s tremendous,” said Denise McKenzie, a key organizer for the event. “Our families are from way back, and it’s our history and our culture. Sharing it with everyone has so much meaning.”

The museum also unveiled a new sign and showed repatriated artefacts.

Cumberland House welcomed people from all over including former residents and others who just wanted to celebrate the historic milestone.

“A place so far away from everything to survive 250 is just totally amazing,” said Larry Hovdestad, who attended the event.

The committee planned events to appeal to every age group from children to seniors.

The three-day event had activities for everyone. (Photo by Randi LaRocque)

Doctor Cari McIlduff was excited to see the young people getting involved.

“Just seeing the youth engaged, particularly in traditional stuff, like canoeing and voyager races, it was so great to see families out, even if it was too hot,” she said. “They were in their vehicles beeping their horns and cheering the youth on.”

Hovdestad loved being involved in the celebrations.

“My favourite part was being allowed to represent the Métis by pulling the float,” she said.

On the first day, a historical-themed parade went throughout the town, showcasing the Métis culture. Some of those floats included a trappers’ cabins to a handmade birch canoe being displayed.

A parade of historical floats opened the three-day event. Participants sit on one of the floats. (Photo by Randi LaRocque)

A close up of one of the historical floats which has a well-known Louis Riel quote painted on it. (Photo by Randi LaRocque)

Nancy Duns, attendee and Les Filles de Madelaine Secretariat Inc. (LFDM) representative, was excited for everyone to see Métis culture.

She enjoyed “seeing our culture on showcase for the rest of the community, the province, and our country.”

McKenzie shared the same sentiments.

She said the event showcased their community and culture to everyone and how it’s still a big thing for Cumberland House residents.

“We are still quite deep in our culture, and we want to showcase all of that,” said McKenzie.