Seabird Island opens 50th annual festival

For the fiftieth time in the band’s history, Seabird Island has welcomed thousands of athletes, families and sports fans into the community to celebrate Indigenous culture and athletic achievement.

The festival, which was first started in 1969 by Grand Chief Archie Charles, opened Friday night (May 24) with the first of the three-pitch games. But the festival really got going Saturday morning, when Chief Clem Seymour held the opening ceremonies for the weekend tournament.

Throughout the day, soccer players from the under five division and up played games on 10 different fields throughout the community, while softball fans watched a round robin session of the three-pitch tournament.

Canoes lined Seabird Island Road, and from 11 a.m. onwards races were held on Maria Slough.

In addition to the competitive sports, festival-goers also had the chance to enjoy the salmon barbecue. Originally started by Archie Charles, the barbecue tradition is now continued by his children and extended family.

The Seabird Island Festival has sports competitions and other activities going on until after 7 p.m. this evening (Saturday, May 25). The festival will continue Sunday morning at 8 a.m. with the soccer tournament.

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