SADDLE LAKE – The Saddle Lake community gathered on May 31 and June 1 for the second memorial Indian Relay fun run, in honour of the late Daniel Cardinal or "Big Dan," who passed away in 2023.
Daniel was a beloved member of the community, known for his love of Indian Relays, having travelled far and wide to watch his grandchildren participate in different relay competitions, said Jacqueline Cardinal, one of Daniel's daughters. "The reason we put this [event] up is because our late dad really loved his Indian Relay."
Joanne Sparklingeyes, another one of Daniel's daughters, said her father knew many racers and people, and that when he passed away, many people showed up to pay their respects during his funeral. She then thanked everyone who participated in the event and paid tribute to her dad.
Jacqueline agreed. "This was even bigger than last year," she said.
"We had 13 teams last year [and] we had 18 teams this year from across Turtle Island," said Jacqueline, while inviting everyone to come back again next year.
The Poitras Relay team from Saulteaux First Nation won the Indian Relay this year. Curtis Poitras, owner of the relay team, thanked the Cardinal family for putting on the event.
It was both an opportunity to pay tribute to Daniel, as well as showcase "what we've got," said Poitras.
The Poitras Relay team is also the defending champion of the Muckleshoot Gold Cup Indian Relay annually held in Auburn, Washington, where the top Indian Relay teams compete. The team will be back in Washington on June 14 to defend their title.
